Data centers are often portrayed as constant water users, but Amazon says the reality is more nuanced. According to Will Hewes, Water Sustainability Lead for Amazon, most of the company's data centers use water-based cooling only during the hottest periods of the year, relying on outside air for cooling more than 90% of the time.
When temperatures spike, evaporative cooling systems use water to remove heat from servers. Hewes says that approach can reduce energy demand by 25% to 35% during peak periods, helping ease pressure on the electric grid when air conditioners and other cooling systems are already driving up power use.
The challenge is balancing two critical resources—water and energy. As data centers expand to support growing digital and AI demand, finding that balance is becoming one of the most important sustainability conversations in water.
Episode at https://youtu.be/FJxYGENMoJc?si=VAN0RA6F_jJJUiZX
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