Water Woes and Tech Surge: The Paradox of Mexico's Data Centers
Nestled in the heart of Mexico, Querétaro is not just known for its stunning colonial architecture and iconic stone aqueduct but is emerging as the epicenter of data centers. This charming city is now home to numerous tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and ODATA, all of which are rushing to establish large-scale data facilities, fueled by a booming demand for artificial intelligence and data processing power.
The state is expected to draw over $10 billion in investments over the next decade, prompting a rapid increase in infrastructure—Ascenty, a leading data center operator in Latin America, has already built two massive facilities in Querétaro, with more on the way.
Why Querétaro?
Arturo Bravo, Ascenty’s Mexico country manager, points out that Querétaro’s strategic location makes it an ideal data hub, providing connectivity to major cities and access to high-speed data cables. This connectivity is crucial for tech firms seeking to manage vast amounts of data efficiently. Additionally, cost-effective power and support from the government solidify its appeal compared to regions in the US.
A Thirsty Industry
However, this boom comes with significant environmental concerns. Data centers require extensive cooling systems to maintain optimal temperatures, which often consume large quantities of water. For instance, cooling can range from 25.5 million liters to 40 million liters annually per facility, depending on the technology used. Microsoft claims to minimize its water usage by primarily relying on outdoor air for cooling. Yet, industry giants like Google reported a staggering increase in water consumption, raising alarms amid drought conditions that have plagued Querétaro, leading to severe water shortages for local communities.
Activists like Teresa Roldán argue that water resources are being prioritized for industrial needs over local residents, highlighting a conflict between economic growth and human essential needs. Concerns about water mismanagement are exacerbated by statements from local authorities, insisting that water allocation is beyond their control, pointing fingers at national policies.
Air Quality and Health Concerns
The environmental impact extends beyond water, as data centers often utilize diesel backup generators, releasing harmful pollutants and posing risks to local air quality. Despite assurances from Ascenty regarding compliance with environmental regulations, health experts warn of the long-term consequences of such operations on surrounding communities.
The Future of Data Centers
Looking ahead, the trend of constructing data centers in Querétaro seems set to continue, driven by the unrelenting growth of the tech industry. Arturo Bravo foresees ongoing development in the area as demand for data processing escalates. However, the balance between technological advancement and environmental responsibility remains in question as communities fight for sustainable practices in light of limiting natural resources.
This scenario in Querétaro paints a complex picture of technological growth amidst environmental fragility, raising questions about the sustainability of such industry expansion in regions facing severe resource scarcity.