At least 25% of global data centers face seasonal water shortages, study finds

A recent study has highlighted that a significant portion of the world’s data centers, at least 25%, are located in regions where water demand exceeds supply at certain times of the year. Conducted by Lorenzo Rosa and colleagues, the study mapped thousands of data centers against local water availability, revealing that seasonal shortages could impact operations. Although the study does not directly link data centers to local water shortages, it underscores the growing concern over resource management, particularly in areas with high water stress. This finding has implications for regions such as Oklahoma and Louisiana, where discussions about potential moratoriums on data centers are already underway. Key Takeaways The study suggests that data centers in water-stressed regions could face operational challenges due to seasonal shortages. Market pricing for Oklahoma and Louisiana indicates increased support for moratoriums on new data centers. The study’s findings are consistent with concerns over resource management, potentially influencing policy decisions in affected regions. What to Watch Watch for how policymakers in Oklahoma and Louisiana respond to the study’s findings. In Ok...