Written question WQ98006

We will use the newly established Welsh Government Strategic AI Advisory Group to provide expert advice and direction on the responsible and ethical use of AI tools and services, including better understanding their environmental impacts both now and into the future.

Officials continue to work closely with data centre operators including discussions on cooling technologies and the industries relationship with environmental factors. On-going developments will continue to demonstrate how they contribute to our wellbeing outcomes, the economy, wider prosperity and net zero plans.

Data centre operators are very aware of the environmental impacts of new developments and actively take steps to mitigate them as far as technologically possible, for example, with the application of technology such as closed-loop water systems, which minimise water use and waste.

There is a large variation seen between different data centre designs and water consumption amounts. Water companies must produce a Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) every five years. These plans set out how each company will maintain the long‑term balance between water supply and demand, demonstrating how they will meet future challenges and secure a resilient water supply for the next 25 years.