Scottish data centres powering AI already using enough water to fill 27 million bottles a year
In recent years, Scotland’s data centres have seen a significant surge in their tap water consumption, with usage quadrupling since 2021. This dramatic increase highlights the growing demand for cooling systems necessary to maintain optimal operating conditions for the vast servers and equipment housed within these facilities. As the digital landscape expands, the need for data storage and processing has surged, leading to an unprecedented reliance on water resources. According to the latest figures, the water usage by these data centres rose from approximately 1 million cubic meters in 2021 to an estimated 4 million cubic meters in 2023, underscoring the environmental implications of this trend.
The rise in water consumption is particularly concerning given Scotland’s commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management. Data centres are essential for supporting cloud computing, online services, and various digital applications, yet their environmental footprint cannot be overlooked. For instance, the cooling systems employed in these centres often require significant amounts of water to function efficiently, which poses questions about the long-term sustainability of such operations, especially in regions where water resources may become strained. As Scotland continues to attract tech companies and expand its digital infrastructure, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship will be crucial. The government and industry stakeholders are now tasked with finding innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of this increased water usage, such as investing in water-efficient technologies and exploring alternative cooling methods that could reduce reliance on tap water.
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The volume of tap water used by Scotland’s data centres has quadrupled since 2021, figures show.
