Map Shows Built-Up Areas With Most Data Centers
"The futures of data centers and cities in the USA are closely interconnected," the authors of a recent study wrote.
An analysis of 4,283 U.S. data centers reveals they are overwhelmingly concentrated in cities, with 97.5% located in urban areas, according to a study published in Nature Cities on July 31. This challenges the notion that the industry's expansion is occurring mainly in rural communities. The top five metropolitan areas with the highest number of data centers are Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (610 facilities), Chicago (241), Dallas-Fort Worth (192), New York-Newark-Jersey City (163), and Phoenix (154).
Together, these five cities account for about one-third of all identified data centers. Researchers identified several factors influencing data center location, including local electricity infrastructure, concentrations of IT workers, broadband quality, retired coal plants, and state tax incentives. They also found that new projects are twice as likely to be built near former coal plant sites, potentially allowing companies to reuse existing transmission infrastructure.
This issue of data center development is a nationwide concern, with experts linking rising electricity demand from data centers to increased carbon dioxide emissions. Several states have responded to public concerns by proposing moratoriums, restrictions, or enhanced oversight of data center development, while others continue to attract investment through tax incentives and economic development programs.
The study projects that data center growth will continue to be concentrated in existing urban hubs, potentially exacerbating pressures on urban resources and livability if not managed carefully.
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