Water-Positive, Energy-Generating Data Infrastructure
Where Data Centers Become Ecosystems
Concept program with design targets pending validation • TRL 2-4 technology development
Artist's impression of symbiotic data center infrastructure
Data Centers Face Existential Threats
"We're hitting physical limits of current infrastructure models"
Linear Consumption → Exponential Problems
Result: Constrained growth, volatile costs, regulatory blockers
From Extraction to Regeneration
Artist's impression of integrated resource generation systems
* All metrics are engineering targets subject to pilot validation and metering
"Infrastructure that gives back more than it takes"
Two Pioneering Inventions
TRL 3-4: Component validation in progress
TRL 2-3: CFD and scaled demonstration required
Turning Waste into Resources
Server Heat (40-60°C) → MOF Adsorption Cycling → Pressure Generation (target 50-100 bar) → Electricity + Pure Water
* Strongly dependent on RH, airflow, pressure drop, cycle kinetics, and condenser sink temperature. Seasonal derating curves required.
Patent-pending pressure-enhanced regeneration cycle • Working fluid and thermodynamic pathway under validation
Design Targets for 10MW Facility (Pending Pilot Validation)
Note: Scenario B requires external CSP with storage for grid-independence claims. All values subject to measured performance.
| Metric | Conventional Reference | Net-Positive Target | Target Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grid Power | 15 MW | 0.75 MW* (with CSP) | 95% reduction target |
| Net Water Balance | -240,000 L/day | +12,000 L/day* | Positive surplus target |
| Carbon Footprint | 60,000 tCO2e/yr | 3,000 tCO2e/yr* | 95% reduction target |
| Operating Cost | $8-12M/yr | $1-2M/yr (projected) | 80% reduction projection |
Leading data centers implement best practices in isolation. Project Saguaro targets measurable net impact through integrated waste heat recovery, alternative heat rejection, and atmospheric water harvesting under auditable boundaries.
| Area | Current Best Practice (State-of-the-Art) | Net-Positive Data Centers (Symbiotic Regeneration) |
|---|---|---|
| Waste Heat | Reuse: Waste heat is piped to provide district heating for nearby communities. A one-way transfer of a waste product. | Upcycling: Waste heat is the primary fuel to generate two new resources: baseload electricity and pure water. |
| Water | Offsetting: Water consumption is reduced, and the remainder is offset by investing in external environmental projects (e.g., wetland restoration). | Generative: The system is inherently water-positive, physically manufacturing more pure water than the entire campus consumes. |
| Power | Procurement: Massive-scale purchasing of renewable energy (wind/solar) from the grid to match consumption. | Inherent Generation: Near total grid-independence by generating 24/7 baseload power from its own internal waste stream. |
| Integration | Co-location: Simple, one-way resource transfers, like providing heat to an adjacent greenhouse. | Symbiotic Ecosystem: A multi-directional, multi-resource circular economy. The data center is the anchor of a zero-carbon industrial park. |
Solving a $50B+ Problem
Integrated Approach to Multiple Resource Challenges
| Solution | Water Impact | Energy Impact | Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Air Capture | Water only | Energy consumer | Component |
| Advanced Cooling | Reduction only | Minor savings | Component |
| Water Recycling | Reduction only | Energy consumer | Component |
| Renewable Energy | No impact | Solution only | Component |
| NET-POSITIVE DATA CENTERS | Net Positive Target | Generation Target | Integrated System |
Multiple Revenue Streams (Subject to Validation Results)
Strength Through Partnership
Aggressive but Achievable
Seeking founding consortium partners for validation program
Critical Engineering Unknowns Requiring Resolution