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AI & Enterprise
Sam Altman says an almond uses more water than thousands of ChatGPT queries
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said concerns about how much water AI data centres use are exaggerated and that their usage is similar to office buildings. He made the remarks on the first episode of the podcast \"Sources\". Altman compared ChatGPT water use with California almond farming, saying one almond uses more water than thousands of ChatGPT queries. Reports and surveys cited showed varying water use by facilities and continuing community opposition tied to environmental concerns.
AI & Enterprise
Nvidia unveils hot-water cooling design to cut data centre water use
Nvidia unveiled a new hot-water, closed-loop cooling system it says can almost eliminate water use inside data centres by circulating coolant for the life of a facility. The system uses about 45 degrees Celsius coolant that exits around 55 degrees before being cooled externally and recirculated. Nvidia says suitable climates could cut on-site water use by 100%. The article says overall AI water use also depends on electricity generation and semiconductor manufacturing.
AI & Enterprise
US big tech turns back to gas power to run AI data centres
U.S. big tech companies are moving to build natural gas power plants to secure electricity for AI data centres, heightening tension across the energy market. TechCrunch reported Microsoft, Google and Meta have entered competition for fuel and equipment, with potential spillover into power prices and industry. The rush is also creating bottlenecks such as scarce gas turbines and higher costs. Analysts warn demand could shift strain to gas supply networks and sharpen conflicts over energy allocation.