The rapid growth of electricity-hungry data centers is pushing the development of new energy generation and transmission capacity that could put key lands at risk of development.
Data centers are networks of computer processors that form a key part of the physical infrastructure supporting cloud storage, end-user connectivity and other digital functions. Perhaps most significantly, data centers are a driving force in the ongoing expansion of artificial intelligence (AI).AI-specialized data centers cluster processors closer together to accelerate communications. Large AI data centers are referred to as “hyperscale.” These facilities require an enormous amount of electricity and water to power and cool the processors. While a conventional data center can use the same amount of electricity as up to 25,000 households, one hyperscale data center can use as much as 100,000 homes. Data centers are projected to consume 6.7% to 12% of total U.S. electricity by 2028. On a state or local level, that percentage could be dramatically higher. To meet skyrocketing energy needs, industry and utilities must invest significantly in new energy generation and transmission capacity.
https://landtrustalliance.org/resources/energy-siting-toolkit/emerging-issues/data-centers
