The publicly circulated estimate of Firebird's water consumption at almost 1.9 million liters per day is not confirmed by project data. As the ARKA agency found, this figure previously appeared in relation to a discussed 100 MW data center, but the source and calculation methodology were not specified. There is no confirmation of such water consumption for the existing facility in Hrazdan.
Firebird reported that the site uses Vertiv systems with a closed-loop cooling circuit. Glycol-based coolant circulates within the system, and heat is dissipated by radiators using atmospheric air and fans. Evaporative and adiabatic cooling is not used. The circuit contains about 250 tons of coolant, which, according to the company, is not consumed during the cooling process. The Armenian Ministry of Environment also stated that Firebird is not registered as a water user and has not applied for the relevant permit.
However, it is not possible to completely exclude water consumption by future expansion. The project documentation provides for up to 25 m³ of water per day for domestic needs, and the principle of dry cooling itself is planned to be maintained during scaling. Firebird previously announced the expansion of Armenian infrastructure to a significantly larger capacity, so the final impact assessment depends on how closely the actual configuration of future phases will correspond to the project. The environmental impact assessment and environmental expertise procedure has not yet been completed.