Microsoft data centers do not use water for cooling now

Microsoft has responded to criticism of data centers’ ever-increasing water consumption. The company presented is now introducing a new cooling technology that is intended to significantly reduce the quantities required.

Significantly reduce consumption

Instead of the previous system, in which water is lost through evaporation, the technology group relies on a closed circulation system. The water flows past heat-generating processors, absorbs heat and passes it on to cooling units before the cooled water circulates again.

Water consumption by Microsoft’s data centers was around 125 million liters per facility in the last fiscal year. Thanks to various measures, the group has already been able to reduce this consumption by 39 percent since 2021. With over 300 data centers worldwide, which are being further expanded due to increasing requirements, the pressure to conserve resources remains high. 

In addition to the new cooling technology, Microsoft is relying on other strategies such as using recycled water in locations such as Washington, California, Texas and Singapore and optimizing operating temperatures. The new Zero Water Evaporated systems will initially be rolled out at locations in Phoenix, Arizona and Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin.

Goals stand

Microsoft has committed to being climate-neutral, water-conserving and waste-free by 2030. This is part of a comprehensive sustainability pledge published in June 2023 as the “Datacenter Community Pledge”. However, the massive investments in AI technologies recently led to the company’s balance sheets deteriorating rapidly in this regard.

Although the new cooling systems lead to a minimal increase in energy consumption, Microsoft wants to compensate for this by increasing the use of renewable energy. The company wants to cover 100 percent of its energy needs worldwide from renewable sources by 2025, but is still leaving back doors open in case these are not available in sufficient quantities. In the long term, Microsoft aims to use completely clean energy 24/7 by 2030.