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AI's Thirst: Big Tech Tackles Data Center Water Woes
24 Feb
Summary
- Nvidia's new chip system cools with water at 45°C, saving significant amounts.
- Microsoft data centers use closed-loop cooling, cutting water use by 90%.
- Indirect water use from data center energy consumption is far higher than direct use.
Nvidia and Microsoft are implementing new technologies to mitigate the substantial water consumption of AI data centers. Nvidia's recently revealed chip system, Vera Rubin, can operate using water at 45 degrees Celsius, a significant improvement over the industry norm of 6 degrees Celsius. This innovation aims to reduce water waste associated with cooling processes.
Microsoft is actively constructing data centers that utilize these "closed-loop" cooling systems. By circulating liquid directly around chip housings, these systems can reduce overall water usage by an impressive 90%. This approach is part of broader industry efforts to improve water efficiency.
However, the environmental impact extends beyond direct water usage. The energy required to power data centers, predominantly sourced from fossil fuels, contributes to significantly higher indirect water consumption. One laboratory estimated that indirect water use was over 12 times greater than direct consumption in U.S. data centers in 2023.
Furthermore, many data centers are situated in regions already facing chronic water shortages. Nearly half of these facilities are in areas with high water stress. This concentration, coupled with the massive water needs of chip manufacturing plants, exacerbates the problem, especially as climate change makes water availability more unpredictable.
