Why utilities should bring water into the data center energy conversation

AI generated summary

The rapid growth of data centers, driven by advancements in AI and cloud computing, has led to a significant increase in electricity consumption. However, a crucial element often overlooked in discussions about energy demand is water usage, particularly in cooling systems that are resource-intensive. As data centers evolve, the trade-offs between water consumption and energy demand must be integrated into planning and forecasting to ensure infrastructure resilience and environmental sustainability.

Utilities can play a vital role in supporting sustainable data center development by incorporating water considerations into their engagement processes. This includes early coordination on cooling strategies, modeling regional impacts, and promoting closed-loop water systems. As data centers become major utility customers, a collaborative approach that addresses both energy and water resource management will be essential for maintaining grid integrity and supporting responsible growth in an increasingly resource-constrained environment.