What are the dual impacts of AI data centers on power and water?

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UN warns AI data centres have high power and water impacts
The United Nations says AI data centres have dual environmental impacts: they use high amounts of power and they also consume large quantities of water. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that by 2030 data centres could use more power than all but five countries, and that they could use enough water to meet the basic needs of all 1.3 billion residents of sub-Saharan Africa for an entire year.
Power use could rise to levels comparable with most countries
Guterres said the power demand from data centres could grow so much by 2030 that it would exceed the power use of all but five countries. The concern is tied to the rapid global expansion of data centres meant to support the AI boom.
Water consumption could be large enough to cover basic needs for millions
He also said data centres could consume enough water to meet the basic needs of all 1.3 billion residents of sub-Saharan Africa for a full year. Environmental groups have scrutinised the sector for both high energy and high water use, alongside a lack of transparency.
UN seeks disclosure of water and other environmental costs
The UN called on major AI companies to publicly disclose the full environmental cost of their data centres. Guterres specifically urged firms to measure and disclose their water impacts, alongside carbon and land use impacts.
Renewable power is part of the UN transparency push
As part of launching the UN’s AI Environmental Transparency Initiative, Guterres called on AI firms to commit to powering all data centres with renewable energy by 2030. He noted that many firms currently rely on voluntary net-zero commitments and renewable electricity targets, while some are also turning to gas or promoting nuclear for new projects.

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What are the dual impacts of AI data centers on power and water?

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