Thirsty AI mega projects raise alarm in some of Europe’s driest regions

As Europe strives to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence, a pressing environmental challenge looms large: water scarcity. The European Union's ambitious plan to significantly expand data center capacity over the next five to seven years has raised alarms, particularly in regions already grappling with limited water resources. Southern Europe, where nearly 30% of the population lives in areas experiencing permanent water stress, is at the heart of this issue. Data centers, which are essential for powering various digital services from social media to AI applications, require substantial amounts of water for cooling. Major tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have heavily invested in facilities in water-scarce areas, including plans for three data centers in Spain and hubs in Greece. Experts are voicing concerns about the sustainability of these projects. Kevin Grecksch, an associate professor at the University of Oxford, highlighted the disconnect between the rapid development of data centers and the need for integrated policymaking focused on environmental sustainability. He pointed out that while the creation of jobs in AI is appealing, the long-term implications for water resources are often overlooked. A spokesperson for the European Commission noted that the EU's policies prioritize energy efficiency and environmental sustainability when selecting sites for new data centers. They referenced the JUPITER supercomputer in Germany, which operates entirely on renewable energy and employs advanced cooling techniques, as a model for green computing. Tensions are brewing in regions like Aragon, Spain, where local farmers are concerned about the impact of Amazon's planned data centers on water supplies. In the UK, the designation of the village of Culham as an AI growth zone has sparked fears of increased pressure on local water resources. Nick Kraft, a senior analyst at Eurasia Group, pointed out that many new data centers are being built in arid climates, exacerbating water scarcity issues. He emphasized that the industry's understanding of water usage often fails to account for off-site consumption, such as water used in energy generation. Despite the challenges, the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA) is actively pursuing innovations in water treatment and efficiency. Michael Winterson, the EUDCA's secretary general, stressed the importance of data centers to the European economy, arguing that their water consumption is comparable to that of a golf course, while generating significant economic benefits. As Europe confronts a severe water crisis, experts like Laura Ramsamy warn that the rapid expansion of data centers in already water-stressed areas could worsen the situation. Countries such as the Netherlands and Ireland have begun to impose restrictions on new data center developments due to environmental concerns, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to AI growth and resource management.