03-11-202632
Although artificial intelligence is often perceived as an intangible digital environment, it relies on a powerful physical infrastructure comprising servers, cooling systems, and an uninterrupted electricity supply. Every query, data exchange, or video-generation process requires a significant amount of energy. In the near future, this may give rise to challenges related to resource security and environmental sustainability.
According to a report published by the International Energy Agency on 16 April 2026, global data centre electricity consumption increased by 17% in 2025, while electricity consumption by data centres dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence rose by 50%. According to expert estimates, total electricity consumption by these facilities is projected to increase from approximately 485 TWh in 2025 to 950 TWh by 2030, accounting for nearly 3% of global electricity demand. As is well known, energy consumption is calculated as the product of power and time (E = P × t). For example, equipment with a power capacity of 10 MW operating continuously for 24 hours consumes 240 MWh of electricity. Although AI models are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the growing volume and complexity of queries are driving further increases in overall energy demand.
However, the challenge extends beyond electricity consumption alone. According to a report published on 3 June 2026 by the United Nations University's Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), annual water consumption by data centres worldwide could reach 9.3 trillion litres by 2030. This volume is equivalent to the annual domestic water consumption of 1.3 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also important to recognise that the amount of water associated with a single query is not a fixed standard; rather, it depends on the facility's location, cooling methods, and computing technologies. Furthermore, some solutions designed to reduce carbon emissions may not necessarily reduce water consumption or land use.
At the national level, these developments require a tailored approach. The Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence until 2030, approved by Resolution No. PP-358 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 14 October 2024, provides an important legal framework for resource management and consumption forecasting in the energy sector. In particular, on 22 September 2026, the Ministry of Digital Technologies announced that Uztelecom had commissioned two new centres in Bukhara and Kokand designed to support AI and big data processing. The opening of a fifth centre in Zangiota District is also planned for the autumn. Since official announcements have not fully disclosed the annual water and electricity consumption of these facilities, it is advisable to avoid relying on unverified figures when conducting national-level assessments.
Research by the World Bank identifies water scarcity and heat-related risks as significant concerns. Accordingly, decisions on where to locate data centres must take into account not only construction costs but also local water availability and energy supply conditions.
Encouragingly, in 2026, UN-Water included Uzbekistan among three countries that had made rapid progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 — ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all — through the adoption of water-saving technologies. New digital infrastructure facilities should fully support this water conservation policy. Practical measures for building sustainable infrastructure include assessing resource availability when selecting sites, disclosing annual electricity and water consumption figures, choosing cooling systems suited to local conditions, and expanding solar and wind power generation.
In conclusion, while artificial intelligence offers enormous opportunities for humanity, its physical infrastructure requires substantial amounts of energy and water. To ensure the sustainable continuation of digital development, it is essential to look beyond carbon emissions alone, take energy and water balances into account jointly, establish transparent environmental reporting, and implement robust measures to adapt to climate change.
Madinabonu Sharifova
Chief Specialist
Centre for Sustainable Development (NGO)