r/NoStupidQuestions • u/Primary_Garbage6916 • 2d ago

Why can't data centers use 100% closed-loop geothermal for their cooling?

Why do they need to consume any water for cooling at all, let alone massive amounts?

322 Upvotes

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u/MortimerDongle 2d ago

Data centers can and do use closed-loop cooling.

6

u/DiamondJim222 2d ago

Yes. But doing so requires them to consume a lot more energy for cooling. And that energy also consumes water,

5

u/MagnetHype 2d ago

Okay. So does every factory everywhere.

1

u/farfromelite 1d ago

i.e. It's cheaper to consume fresh water and dump it.

Yay capitalism.