Petra: The government is exploring the potential of seawater desalination technology as a viable option to support industries with significant water needs, including data centres. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) emphasized that the implementation of such technology should consider location suitability, energy requirements, water production costs, and economic viability before broader application.
The ministry noted the increasing water demand due to the rapid growth of the data centre industry worldwide, which necessitates a stable power supply and an adequate water source for cooling systems. "The government is therefore taking a long-term approach to ensure that the development of this strategic industry can continue without compromising the security of water supply for the public," PETRA stated in a written reply in the Dewan Negara, as published on Parliament's website today.
The ministry responded to Senator Dr Jufitri Joha's inquiry regarding efforts to use seawater desalination as a water source and primary cooling method for data centres, similar to practices in other countries. PETRA highlighted that data centre development should not rely solely on treated water supplies, which should remain prioritized for domestic use. Instead, industries with high water consumption are encouraged to utilize alternative water sources such as reclaimed water, seawater desalination, and other non-conventional water sources, depending on location and operational requirements.
"This approach enables the country's digital economy to continue growing sustainably while ensuring that treated water remains prioritized for public use," the ministry added. To support these efforts, PETRA, through the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia, is conducting research on the suitability of seawater desalination technology for island areas. This includes a desalination plant project aimed at supplying clean water to an ESSCOM security post in Sabah.
The research and pilot project aim to evaluate the technical, economic, and operational feasibility of desalination technology in Malaysia before considering it for broader application, including in the industrial sector. In addressing current data centre needs, PETRA is also promoting the use of existing and cost-effective alternative water sources, such as reclaimed water and rainwater harvesting systems. Currently, four APG treatment plants in Peninsular Malaysia supply water to data centres, with a total production capacity of 19.5 million litres per day. This strategy helps reduce the industry's reliance on treated water while enhancing the efficiency of the nation's water resource utilization.