Renewable energy transition may reduce AI data centers' water footprint

Data centers powering AI consume significant amounts of water for cooling, especially in water-stressed regions. Switching to solar or wind power could lower overall water usage by reducing the water needed for electricity generation. Water-saving cooling technologies are also being explored as a mitigation strategy.

The water footprint of artificial intelligence extends beyond the liquid used directly for server cooling. Electricity generation itself often relies on water, particularly for thermal power plants that use steam turbines. By transitioning data centers to solar and wind energy, the indirect water consumption associated with powering these facilities could be significantly curtailed, as these renewables require little to no water during operation. This dual benefit—reducing both direct cooling demands and upstream power-related water use—positions the renewable energy transition as a key lever for mitigating the environmental strain of expanding computing infrastructure, especially in regions already facing water scarcity.