A recent study published by Öko-Institut and commissioned by Greenpeace highlights a significant concern regarding the future demand for water resources in Germany driven by the expansion of data centers, particularly spurred by advancements in artificial intelligence. The report suggests that current water usage of about 13 billion liters (3.4 billion gallons) per year for cooling could more than double to 27 billion liters annually by 2030.

Implications of Increased Water Demand

This anticipated increase in demand for water by data centers is equivalent to the drinking water needs of approximately 580,000 residents. The growing trend towards larger mega data centers, many of which could exceed 100 megawatts in server capacity, is seen as a major contributor to this escalation in water consumption.

Local Water Stress and Community Concerns

Linda Klapdor, a digital expert at Greenpeace, expressed concerns about the environmental impact, stating, “The trend toward ever-larger facilities with their enormous water consumption is exacerbating local water stress and triggering conflicts over water use.”

• Nearly 30 large data centers are in the planning stages in Germany.
• Expected annual water consumption for these facilities ranges from 200 million to 930 million liters, depending on the technology employed for cooling.

Klapdor emphasized the necessity for data centers in areas prone to water scarcity to implement closed-loop water systems. Such systems can effectively reduce a data center’s continuous water consumption to nearly zero, alleviating the burden on local resources.

Current Cooling Practices and Transparency Issues

According to the report, about one-third of Germany’s 1,200 data center operators utilize evaporative cooling systems, which can lead to a loss of potable water, as vapor escapes into the atmosphere. This practice significantly diminishes the availability of water for the local environment.

“People who live near a data center are right to worry about their quality of life, drying-up wells, and rising water and electricity costs,” Klapdor remarked, highlighting the pressing need for more transparency in operations. She noted that operators are not fully complying with reporting requirements on water use, calling for enhanced accountability, particularly for the projected mega data centers.