Data centers’ hidden water dependency exposed by French nuclear plant shutdown
A heatwave in southern France forced the Golfech nuclear plant to cut production because the Garonne river reached temperatures too high for cooling. The incident highlights the physical resource demands of digital infrastructure, particularly AI data centers, which rely on water, energy, and land despite the myth of immaterial cloud computing.
Key facts
- Golfech nuclear plant in southern France reduced output due to high Garonne river temperatures.
- Temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius in the shade.
- The event underscores the material dependency of digital technologies on water and energy.
- AI data centers consume significant water for cooling.
- The myth of immaterial cloud computing is contradicted by physical infrastructure needs.
Entities
Institutions
- Golfech nuclear plant
Locations
- France
- Garonne river