Pritesh Ganatra

British Technology Solutions

Your technology problem solver ...

Datacentres Demand Power and Water: How Will AI Affect Our Resources?

Pritesh Ganatra

CREATED BY PRITESH GANATRA

Published: 14/10/2025 @ 09:01AM
#Datacentres #ElectricityDemands #WaterConsumption #EcologicalImpact #AIAdvancements

As the ascent of datacentres keeps accelerating, driven by advancements in generative AI and quantum processors, the demands for electricity and water are growing alarmingly. This surge not only strains resources, but also has dire ecological implications ...

Datacentres hum, Rows of servers, Power consumed, Water cools

Datacentres hum, Rows of servers, Power consumed, Water cools

With the digital transformation in full swing, the rise of datacentres has become a pressing concern, particularly as generative AI and quantum processors usher in new levels of computational power. These advancements promise to revolutionise industries, but they come at a significant cost.

The energy required is staggering, and the demand for water
to cool the sprawling infrastructures is equally worrying!

Datacentres consume a vast amount of electricity - estimates suggest that data processing equations driven by machine learning may double energy needs by 2025. The implications are particularly stark in regions of the UK, where the infrastructure is already struggling to cope.

In certain areas, particularly in South East England, permissions for new datacentres are being denied simply because the existing electrical grid cannot support the added load. This logistical bottleneck is not only limiting further expansion in the UK, but it also poses challenges in other parts of the world, including North America and parts of the European Union.

As demand grows, regions without robust, flexible power infrastructures may find themselves severely hindered.

The implications of this rise in energy consumption extend beyond power supply concerns. Cooling requirements for datacentres represent an emerging crisis in freshwater usage. Current cooling technologies often rely on local water sources, leading to a depletion of crucial ecosystems. In regions with distinct seasonal climates, this disruption may lead to long-lasting ecological damage, threatening wildlife and biodiversity.

As water companies grapple with the rising demand for freshwater - often prioritising datacentres over local communities - the cascading effect on the environment is frequently overlooked.

The increasing functionality of datacentres to support advanced AI models is not merely a fleeting trend; it is the hallmark of a profound shift in how we generate and consume data. However, with this comes an urgency to implement sustainable practices.

The cycle of cooling and powering these data hubs must be scrutinised, considering innovative solutions such as using recycled water or alternative cooling methods, which could alleviate some of the pressure on freshwater resources.

As society pushes towards ever-greater technological advancements, it is essential to recognise that the energy and water demands of datacentres can no longer be disregarded. Sustainable energy sources, such as solar and wind, could be part of a viable long-term strategy to mitigate risks. Implementing rigorous regulations on water use in these facilities may also help in protecting vital ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on them.

The growth of datacentres presents a real challenge!

It's a combination of energy consumption, water resource management, and ecological sustainability. Stakeholders must prioritise responsible management of these resources; otherwise, the consequences could spiral beyond control.

Addressing the demands that generative AI and quantum processing place on power and water systems is not just wise, it is imperative for the future of our planet.

Until next time ...

PRITESH GANATRA

Your technology problem solver

Would you like to know more?

If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about datacentres and their demands for power and water, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01604 926100 or take a look at my website, which you can find by clicking here.

Share the blog love ...

Share this to FacebookBuffer
Share this to FacebookFacebook
Share this to TwitterTwitter
Share this to Linkedin (popup window)Linkedin
Share this to Pinterest (popup window)Pinterest
Share this to WhatsApp (popup window)WhatsApp

#Datacentres #ElectricityDemands #WaterConsumption #EcologicalImpact #AIAdvancements

About Pritesh Ganatra ...

Pritesh Ganatra 

The word 'Technology' has too many connotations in today's world! Where do we start? Simple terms like 'IT' and 'Telecoms'? or terms that appear NOT to have an actual meaning at all!, e.g. 'Internet of Things (IoT). Technology also encompasses specialist products and services like 'Rugged' and 'Tough' android devices, Lone Worker Software, panic alarm devices, smart energy devices, low energy lighting, credit card terminal (PCI DSS) security, indoor/ outdoor Wi-Fi systems, Ultrafast Gigabit internet connectivity, access control systems, industrial IoT circuit controllers.

BTS UK can consult from simple solutions to the most complex, provide some of the products through a wholesale channel, bring together a multi-disciplined 'Task Force' to deliver and implement complete Technology 'projects'.

I am your technology problem solver and I look forward to helping you.

More blog posts for you to enjoy ...

Click here to view this blog post


The Essential Role of Two Factor Authentication in Preventing Hacking Attacks

In our digital age, safeguarding personal information is crucial. Two Factor Authentication (2FA) stands out as a vital security measure, offering a robust layer of protection against hacking. By requiring an additional piece...

Click here to view this blog post


The Importance Of Being Earnest

I still believe in the notion that 'people buy from people', however, we seem to be in a world where people are being pressured into buying technology for the fear that their business will fail or be left behind if they don't...

Click here to view this blog post


The Alarming Decline of Basic Survival Skills in Modern Education

In an era dominated by technology, the lack of Basic Survival Skills in education raises concerns about future generations. As society becomes increasingly reliant on devices and connectivity, essential life skills are being ...

Click here to view this blog post


Do You Test Your Email Systems Regularly?

I recently sent an email to someone I had previously corresponded with. When I got a bounce-back, I thought I had the wrong address or made a typo. I doubted myself, as that is my nature, but seeing the email address in my ‘h...

Click here to view this blog post


UK Mobile Operators And Protection Against Scam Texts: The Art Of Defence

Here's how UK networks now deliver protection against scam texts with relentless, multi-layered defence. They block fraud at scale, work with government and law enforcement, and clamp down on spoofing and SIM farms. It's prac...

Click here to view this blog post


Spending billions on AI startups: A Disturbing Trend in Valuations

The madness of spending billions on AI startups raises alarm over staggering valuations and the implications for society. Many of these companies focus on trivial applications while genuinely innovative solutions remain sidel...

Click here to view this blog post


What Is The Most Important Part Of Your Business Network?

The final words from a recent blog post led me to determine a business network's common point of failure. We're heading into the VoIP era and plunging feet-first into having the traditional PSTN/ISDN networks disconnected for...

Click here to view this blog post


Fraud, Fraud, Fraud! What's The Cost To Your Business?

Did you know that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99.9% of the businesses in the UK? At the start of 2023, there were estimated to be 5.6 million private-sector businesses ......

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


Unlocking Operational Clarity: The Key Role of a Fractional COO in Your Business

Posted by Steph Birch on https://blog.birchstrategicservices.com

Operational clarity is essential for any growing business. A fractional COO not only implements vital processes, but also clarifies roles and responsi ...

Click here to view this blog post


sBlogIt! And The Art Of Chatbottery

Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.sblogit.com

At sBlogIt!, we're always looking to improve our service to our blog subscribers. We have recently introduced an innovative new chatbot feature for al ...

Click here to view this blog post


How Small Creators Can Earn Money From TikTok

Posted by Alison Mead on https://blog.siliconbullet.com

I have been experimenting with monetising on social media to see how easy it is and how it all works, so I am better able to help and advise those wit ...

Click here to view this blog post


Do you need to file a self-assessment tax return this year?

Posted by Roger Eddowes on https://blog.essendonaccounts.co.uk

Wondering if you need to file a self-assessment tax return for 2024/25? Here's what's changed, who must file, and when to act. Stay ahead, avoid penal ...