The tech giant Microsoft recently confirmed they are ready to pilot new data centre designs that use no water consumption for cooling in 2026. If the approach is successful, the company will roll out this corporate sustainability initiative across new sites in the next few years.
About the new data centre design
Beginning in August 2024, Microsoft launched a new data centre design that consumes zero water for cooling and optimises AI workloads. By adopting chip-level cooling solutions, they can deliver precise temperature control without water evaporation. Water will still be used for administrative purposes like kitchens and restrooms.
However, the design will avoid the need for over 125 million litres of water annually per data centre. The new liquid cooling technologies recycle water via a closed-loop system. When the system is filled during construction, it continually circulates water between the chillers and servers to dissipate heat without needing a fresh water supply.
The new data centre design will replace cooling systems that use evaporation processes. These processes often result in water losses and require a freshwater supply. This design falls under Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Pledge. The pledge details their commitment to local economies and communities where they operate their data centres. Protecting local watersheds is a vital part of their pledge, particularly in those areas where water stress is mounting.
Improving water efficiency at Microsoft
Microsoft is continually improving the design and operation of its data centres to curb water use and has been taking action on this since 2000. The company has already enhanced water efficiency at its data centres by 80 percent since 2000. Moreover, the brand witnessed a 39 percent improvement between 2021 and 2023 alone. Microsoft has also begun rolling out water reclamation and recycling systems at data centre sites across three US states – Washington, California, Texas, and Singapore.
Two new data centres, which will commence operations in 2026, will pilot the zero-water evaporated design. All of the new-build data centres after these projects will be delivered with the design built in. More new sites purpose-built with this design will go live in the second half of 2027. Microsoft has made a pledge to replenish more water than its operations consume by 2030. The company is planning a significant data centre capacity expansion throughout that period.
Final thoughts
Microsoft’s new data centre design reflects a broader shift in the tech industry towards addressing resource efficiency in response to growing environmental challenges. By eliminating water use in its new data centre designs, the company is reducing its operational footprint and taking a proactive approach to water conservation.
This pilot project could serve as a blueprint for the industry, showcasing how innovative technologies can balance operational demands with environmental responsibilities. As these designs scale, they may redefine sustainability standards for data centres globally, setting a new precedent for resource-conscious innovation.
