The rapid growth of AI is increasing energy and water demands, prompting calls for closed-loop systems and treated wastewater.
AI data centres in Scotland use enough tap water to fill over 27 million half-litre bottles annually, BBC News reports. The number of centres has quadrupled since 2021, with AI growth increasing energy and water use, though it remains a small fraction of the national supply.
Scottish Water urges developers to adopt closed-loop cooling or treated wastewater instead of relying only on mains water. Open-loop systems, still used in many centres, consume vast amounts of water, but closed-loop alternatives can reduce demand, though they may increase energy usage.
Experts warn that AI data centres have a significant carbon footprint as well. Analysis from the University of Glasgow estimates the energy use of Scottish centres could equate to each person in the country driving an extra 145 kilometres per year.
Academic voices have called for greater transparency from tech companies and suggested carbon targets and potential penalties to ensure sustainable growth.
The Scottish government and industry stakeholders are promoting ‘green’ AI development, citing Scotland’s cool climate, renewable energy resources, and local expertise. Developers are urged to balance AI expansion with Scotland’s net zero and resource sustainability goals.
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