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OpenAI CEO downplays AI data center water use, compares queries to almonds

By PulseAugur Editorial · [1 sources] ·

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that the water consumption of AI data centers is often exaggerated. He claimed that 38,000 ChatGPT queries use the same amount of water as growing a single almond in California. Altman also asserted that modern data centers use no more water than a typical office building due to advancements in cooling technologies, contrasting this with older methods that were more water-intensive. While acknowledging that older AI models and facilities could use significant water, he highlighted new cooling systems from companies like Nvidia and Microsoft that drastically reduce water usage. AI

IMPACT Provides context on AI's environmental impact, potentially influencing public perception and policy discussions.

RANK_REASON CEO interview discussing industry issues and providing comparative data.

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AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →

OpenAI CEO downplays AI data center water use, compares queries to almonds

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COVERAGE [1]

  1. Tom's Hardware TIER_1 English(EN) · Jowi Morales ·

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says 38,000 ChatGPT queries use as much water as the production of one almond — says data centers use no more water than an office building

    Sam Altman says that a single almond uses up more water than 38,000 ChatGPT queries. He said that the concerns of people about data centers using up so much water are nothing but a "robust meme," and that the claim doesn't hold up to any scrutiny.

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