Europe’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence is running into an unexpected obstacle: water. As the continent’s driest regions grapple with climate change and recurring droughts, the arrival of massive data centers—essential for powering AI—has sparked a new kind of competition for this precious resource.
In Aragon, Spain, a region known for its cornfields and orchards, water scarcity has always been a challenge. But now, local farmers find themselves up against tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, who are investing billions to build sprawling data centers. These facilities, while promising jobs and technological advancement, also consume millions of liters of water each year to keep their servers cool.
The European Union is eager to triple its data center capacity in the next five to seven years, hoping to catch up with the U.S. and China in the AI race. Yet, this rapid expansion is raising alarms among residents and grassroots organizations. Groups like "Tu Nube Seca Mi Río" ("your cloud is drying up my river") are calling for a moratorium on new data centers, arguing that the benefits touted by Big Tech rarely reach local communities. Farmers, already struggling with water shortages, fear that their livelihoods are at risk.
The numbers are staggering: in 2024, Europe’s data centers used about 62 million cubic meters of water—the equivalent of 24,000 Olympic swimming pools. By 2030, that figure could climb to 90 million cubic meters. The reason is simple: data centers generate enormous heat and require constant cooling, much of which relies on water.
While companies like Microsoft and Amazon claim to be investing in sustainability—promising water recycling, infrastructure upgrades, and even pledging to become "water positive"—skepticism remains high. Critics argue that such promises often amount to greenwashing, especially when requests for increased water usage continue to surface.
Local officials are also pushing back. In Villamayor de Gállego, near Zaragoza, the mayor is urging a reconsideration of plans for a new data center, citing concerns over water stress and the lack of local input in decision-making. The tension highlights a broader dilemma: how to balance technological progress with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
On the innovation front, there are glimmers of hope. Advances in cooling technology, such as closed-loop water systems and liquid cooling, could reduce water consumption by up to 40%. Some data centers are experimenting with using recycled water or even air-based cooling. However, experts caution that these solutions are not yet widespread and may not fully offset the sector’s growing thirst.
At the policy level, the European Commission is drafting new standards to ensure that data centers operate more sustainably, including setting limits on water use. The goal is to align digital growth with environmental resilience, but implementation will require cooperation between governments, industry, and local communities.
For now, the story of AI’s water footprint in Europe is still unfolding. As the continent seeks to lead in technology, it must also reckon with the realities of its natural resources—and the voices of those who depend on them.
Key Takeaways:
- Data centers are major water consumers, especially in drought-prone regions.
- Local communities and farmers are increasingly vocal about the risks to water security.
- Tech companies are investing in sustainability, but skepticism about their promises persists.
- Innovations in cooling technology offer hope, but adoption is uneven.
- Policymakers are working to set standards for sustainable data center operations.