Water-to-Token: Europe’s AI Factory Model for Tomorrow's Compute
May 20, 2026 — 01:30 pm - 02:00 pmStandup Stage 2
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Description
As artificial intelligence scales, the infrastructure powering it is becoming one of the defining challenges of our time. While the concept of the “AI Factory” is gaining traction, much of its current implementation follows an extractive model—energy-intensive, water-consuming, and often misaligned with local communities.
This talk introduces Water-to-Token, a new paradigm for AI infrastructure developed by Terakraft. By repurposing a decommissioned hydropower plant, we demonstrate how AI compute can be powered entirely by renewable energy while leveraging natural water flows for efficient cooling. The result is a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency.
Beyond technology, we explore a fundamentally different approach to infrastructure development: one that integrates local economies, gains community support, and reinforces European digital sovereignty. By involving regional partners and ensuring European ownership, the model aligns environmental sustainability with social and governance responsibility.

