Project partners: dcently , IVL, and EcoDataCenter.
Grant: 582 ,800 Swedish kronor
Project period: November 30, 2026 – October 31, 2027
Contact person: Johanna Flood, dcently,
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the project is to create a common basis for decision-making regarding how data centers can be developed with more responsible and water-wise practices throughout their entire life cycle. The feasibility study will map direct and indirect water use and water risks, relevant stakeholders, data, and knowledge gaps, as well as future climate and water risks. The goal is to be able to determine, no later than October 31, 2027, whether and how continued R&D and demonstration work should be carried out, and which areas of development should be prioritized.
Expected impacts and results
The project will provide a validated overview of data centers’ water use and water risks, a stakeholder and decision-making map, prioritized areas for solutions and development, as well as a “go/no-go” assessment and—if the project is approved—an overarching roadmap for continued R&D and demonstration. In the long term, the project will contribute to Water Wise Society’s mission by making water a clearer and location-specific factor in decision-making regarding the siting, design, production, procurement, and operation of data centers. The project primarily contributes to “Wise Water Use” through sustainable water abstraction, reduced water consumption, and the recycling and reuse of water, as well as to “Resilient Water Supply and Management in Society” through increased knowledge of location-specific and future water and climate risks.
Planned approach and implementation
The project is being carried out by dcently, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, and EcoDataCenter, and combines industry expertise, scientific water and systems analysis, and real-world data center data. The work is organized into four integrated work packages: define → understand → prioritize → decide. Through system mapping, life-cycle-based screening,data analysis, interviews , environmental analysis, foresight, and co-creation workshops, water-related hotspots, risks, conflicting objectives, and areas for development are identified. The results are validated with project partners and external stakeholders and form the basis for decisions on the next steps.
The text on this page was written by the project team. The content has not been reviewed by our editors.
Goals and tasks
- Wise use of water
- Recycle and reuse water and its resources
- Reduce water usage and leakage
- Sustainable water withdrawals.
