Build them in places with lots of wind and solar energy. By locating these facilities in regions where renewable energy is abundant, operators can tap into cleaner electricity sources that dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Wind- and solar-rich areas often have excess generation capacity during peak production times, which data centers can use to power energy-intensive computing tasks without relying on fossil fuels. This shift not only lowers greenhouse gas emissions but also helps stabilize local grids by making productive use of renewable power that might otherwise be curtailed.

Traditional thermal power plants—coal, gas, and nuclear—consume large amounts of water for cooling and steam generation, meaning that electricity from these sources has a hidden water footprint. When data centers draw power from wind and solar, they indirectly avoid that upstream water consumption. In some windy or sunny climates, data centers can also use air cooling or other low-water technologies, further reducing strain on local water supplies. By combining smart siting with efficient cooling design, the industry can significantly cut both its environmental impact and its competition with communities for water resources.