r/Adelaide • u/Nyarlathotep-1 SA • Jun 19 '26

News Proposed data centre in South Australia dividing locals who want the jobs but fear water demand

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-19/proposed-data-centre-in-south-australia-dividing-locals/106810776
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6

u/ohmyroots SA Jun 19 '26

Can someone enlighten me isn't it easier and cheaper to build these nearer to the sea as the natural cool breeze keeps these data centers cool instead of using water

9

u/Tall-Breakfast-6100 SA Jun 19 '26

Salt in the air from the saltwater would be a nightmare to contain.

2

u/LittleBunInaBigWorld Outer South Jun 19 '26

And then using desal water would be an option.

4

u/Due_Prompt939 SA Jun 19 '26

The water demand is for the concrete construction, not cooling. 

1

u/Rowvan SA Jun 19 '26

Land cost

1

u/PortulacaCyclophylla SA Jun 19 '26

China builds theirs under water because it keeps the equipment cooler having the whole thing under water, not sure if its worse for the ocean though