Microsoft: Water-Efficient AI Data Centers

At the Build 2026 conference, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, unveiled an ambitious initiative to reduce water consumption in its future data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence. These new facilities will operate in a closed loop, with annual water consumption equivalent to that of a single neighborhood restaurant.

The new cooling systems will allow for nearly zero water consumption thanks to a closed-loop system that only requires an initial fill-up. This innovation will only apply to new data centers, such as the one planned in Fairwater, Wisconsin. Existing centers, numbering 500, will continue to use traditional cooling systems that are more water-intensive.

In France, the water footprint of data centers, including electricity consumption, is estimated at 6.5 million m³ by Arcep. Although direct water withdrawals decreased by 15% in 2024, the overall footprint increased by 8%.

Satya Nadella emphasized the importance of this transition to meet the growing demand for generative AI while gaining the trust of local communities. He specified that 90% of the operations of the new centers would be managed by this innovative system.

The geographical concentration of data centers in France exacerbates pressure on resources, with 90% of electricity consumption concentrated in three regions, including Île-de-France. Despite recommendations to reduce water usage, 20% of French centers still use inefficient technologies.