Europe’s AI Expansion Faces Water Scarcity Challenge in Driest Regions
Europe’s ambitious artificial intelligence strategy is raising alarms as data center expansion plans threaten to exacerbate water scarcity in already stressed regions. Southern Europe faces particular challenges with approximately 30% of its population living in areas with permanent water stress conditions.
Europe’s AI Ambitions Confront Water Reality
Europe’s push to become a world-class artificial intelligence hub is facing an environmental challenge as plans for massive data center expansion collide with growing water scarcity concerns across the continent. According to reports, the European Union announced in April its intention to at least triple data center capacity over the next five to seven years, creating potential conflicts in regions already experiencing water stress.