Companies are racing to fuel and cool AI

FEATURED STORY: Data centers that power AI use massive amounts of water and electricity. Here’s how companies are working to reduce their strain on resources.

How bad is AI in terms of waste?

This question was posed at an AI business summit I attended in Rocklin, to which keynote speaker Elizabeth Edwards responded that it’s virtually impossible to quantify AI’s full impacts, positive or negative. While her answer may sound oblique, she’s right. Even the seemingly straightforward question of how much water AI data centers consume (or waste — two different things) can be answered in myriad ways. Are we counting only cooling water or also the water used to generate electricity or manufacture AI chips? Is the AI simply answering queries or — far more costly — being trained? And what type of water is being used: municipal, reclaimed, ultrapure or river?

A Morgan Stanley report projects that water used for cooling and electricity at AI data centers could exceed 1,000 billion liters annually by 2028. That’s a lot of water, though other human activities consume far more. So the real questions become: Which uses are “worth” the waste, can AI offset water consumption in other industries, and where can data centers be built without overdrawing local supply?

And the question of the decade: Do we really need all these new data centers? Despite what tech giants herald and what the current market suggests, nobody knows. But Capital Region companies are betting on that growth, inventing new ways to cool and fuel the age of AI.

– Dakota Morlan, managing editor

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Overspending

While many of us plan to pull back on the reins when it comes to spending, we still want to celebrate, create a sense of normalcy and maintain beloved traditions. To do that, we will have to approach the season with mindfulness and care.

A Seat at the Bar: A Southern Food Surprise in … Roseville?

The Seat at the Bar diner discovers Q1227, a restaurant visited by luminaries including Snoop Dogg, Ryan Coogler and the Timberwolves that’s in an unlikely location.

Startup of the Month: Alcheme Bio

For many, plant-based proteins leave a bad taste in the mouth: bitter and “beany,” according to Vanessa Small. At her food tech startup Alcheme Bio, she strips that tart taste at the cellular level to enhance flavoring.

Recommendations From Our Staff

Judy: I now know what it’s like to battle monsters. Sandbox VR, a new virtual reality center at DOCO, invited the media to check it out. I found myself decked out in a padded vest and goggles with electrodes strapped on my wrists and ankles. We entered a room, and after a quick demo, we were fighting off the scary monsters from “Stranger Things.” Wow. It was so intense, realistic and terrifying. You can also battle zombies and Marvel villains. I suggest giving it a try for a unique experience that transports you someplace else.

Jennifer: It’s no secret that I’m a transit fan, and that extends to my YouTube watching habits. One YouTuber I watch, Miles in Transit, recently posted the first half of his herculean effort to travel the entire length of the West Coast by local transit only. The first video takes him from San Diego to the North Coast, showcasing the good and bad of California’s transit systems, including a minibus playing pirate metal (which I, oddly enough, have also experienced) and the shiny-new Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit.

Odds and Ends

Looking for a thoughtful holiday gift? Comstock’s has you covered. As one of the Capital Region’s last remaining magazines, we deliver sharp insights and a glossy cover each month — perfect for you or someone on your list. Subscribe today!

December is all about innovation, and the Capital Region is leading the way. From advancements in EVs and AI to the future of agriculture, these are some industries to watch in 2026. Access the Innovation Issue on your computer, phone or tablet.

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