tech
Microsoft points to lower water use in AI era
Hyperscalers at the heart of the AI boom are racing to respond to growing concerns about the buildout's environmental footprint.
TL;DR
- Microsoft's latest AI data center designs do not use water for cooling in normal operations.
- The company has improved water efficiency by nearly 90% since the early 2000s.
- Microsoft aims to be water positive by 2030 and replenished more water globally than it used in fiscal year 2025.
- New designs use recirculating coolant and air-cooled chillers, eliminating the need for water-consuming cooling towers.
- Approximately 90% of Microsoft's current owned data center fleet already operates with low- or zero-water cooling systems.
- Opposition to data centers is growing, with water and energy concerns cited as top reasons.
- Most of Microsoft's existing data center fleet still uses some water for cooling, especially in hot conditions.
- The debate over water use is part of a larger discussion that includes water required for electricity production.