Data centres in Scotland, essential for powering AI systems like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, currently consume enough tap water to fill 27 million half-litre bottles annually. Since 2021, the water usage in these facilities has quadrupled, primarily due to increased energy and cooling requirements linked to the growing popularity of generative AI tools. With 16 data centres already operational and expected to rise, Scottish Water has noted that this water usage constitutes only 0.005% of the region’s supply, but they stress the need for sustainability, advocating for closed-loop cooling systems to reduce reliance on mains water. Experts from the University of Glasgow highlight the significant carbon footprint associated with the centres, equating to every Scottish person driving an extra 90 miles annually. As the UK positions itself as a leading data centre hub, balancing growth and environmental concerns remains essential for sustaining natural resources and achieving net-zero goals.
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