In response, Microsoft is using water consumption metrics to guide water reclamation efforts, aiming to be net "water positive" by 2030. The company is also working on thermal management technologies to reduce water consumption at its facilities and has moved away from evaporative coolers at some of its most water-challenged datacenters. Other cloud providers, such as Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud, are also grappling with water consumption issues.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft's water consumption increased by 34% to 6.4 million cubic metres in 2022, largely due to the company's investment in generative AI products.
- Datacenter water consumption is a growing concern, especially in the US where changing weather patterns could lead to persistent drought conditions.
- Microsoft is working to mitigate its water consumption, with efforts to become "water positive" by 2030 and the implementation of thermal management technologies to reduce water use in its facilities.
- Other cloud providers like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud are also grappling with water consumption issues, with both companies making commitments to become "water positive".