Google's New Texas Data Center Will Use Zero Water

Google just announced a game-changing data center in Wilbarger County, Texas that solves one of tech's biggest environmental challenges: water consumption.

The new facility will run on air cooling instead of water, a first-of-its-kind "power-first" approach developed with energy company AES. Water will only be used for basics like kitchen sinks, not for cooling the massive servers that power our Google searches and cloud storage.

Here's what makes this different. The data center will sit right next to newly built clean power plants, drawing energy directly from the source instead of straining Texas's existing power grid. That means fewer transmission lines, lower costs, and no added burden on the system Texans already rely on.

Google isn't stopping at zero water use. The company plans to actually replenish more water than it consumes through partnerships with Texan by Nature and Texas Water Trade, working to improve watershed health across the entire state.

This data center is part of Google's massive $40 billion investment in Texas through 2027. The tech giant already operates facilities in Midlothian and Red Oak, with more under construction in Armstrong and Haskell Counties. Together, these projects have added over 7,800 megawatts of clean energy to Texas's grid.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits extend far beyond environmental wins. Starting in 2026, Google will launch a $30 million Energy Impact Fund for Texas communities. Local organizations can apply for grants focusing on energy affordability, helping families lower their monthly bills through home weatherization and efficiency upgrades.

Public schools will also benefit from weatherization improvements, reducing energy costs so more money can go directly to students. The fund will also support workforce development, training Texans for jobs in the growing clean energy sector.

This model shows how tech companies can expand without depleting local resources. Instead of choosing between economic growth and environmental protection, Google's approach delivers both.

The data center will power Google's AI services, including Cloud, Workspace, Search, and Maps, proving that cutting-edge technology doesn't have to come at the planet's expense.