Wire · operational-macro
Data centers are swapping water for forever chemicals to keep AI cool
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Fusion42 · 18 September 2026 · Fusion42 review
Data centers are increasingly replacing water-based cooling systems with PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, to manage the heat generated by AI computing. This shift is driving expansion among major PFAS chemical producers but raises significant environmental and health concerns due to the persistent and harmful nature of these substances.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of AI Infrastructure and Climate Tech.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
You face a new challenge as data centers switch to PFAS chemicals to cool AI hardware, which could prompt regulatory pressure and public backlash. Consider alternative cooling methods now to avoid entanglement with toxic chemical dependencies that could limit growth or raise costs.
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1 source · 18 Sep 2026
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