ISTANBUL

Google’s data centers worldwide consumed nearly 6 billion gallons (22.7 billion liters) of water in 2024, according to data compiled by Anadolu.

The company’s “2024 Environmental Report” showed an 8% annual increase in water consumption, driven by advancements in search functions, artificial intelligence (AI), and other projects.

AI remains the primary factor behind the surge, with Google’s water consumption having jumped 20% in 2022.

For comparison, Türkiye consumed 16.6 billion gallons (63 billion liters) of water in 2022, according to the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. Google’s data centers alone accounted for nearly one-third of that total.

Last year’s increase was also influenced by intensified competition, particularly from China’s growing AI sector.

Climate concerns and data centers

Data centers house multiple computer systems and storage devices, often within single buildings or clusters. These systems generate heat during operation, requiring extensive cooling to maintain performance.

Water plays a crucial role in this process, but most of what Google’s data centers consume is drinking water. As climate change intensifies and concerns over water scarcity grow, the industry’s reliance on water has come under scrutiny.

At the same time, data centers are consuming more electricity each year.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), AI and cryptocurrency developments will push data center energy consumption to double by 2026, rising from 460 terawatt-hours to 1,000 terawatt-hours.

That figure would be nearly twice Germany’s annual electricity consumption of 507 terawatt-hours.