Rage against the machines: How data centres became a US midterm election issue
The US has more data centres than anywhere else in the world despite the unpopularity of the sites that power artificial intelligence. In the last decade amid the AI boom , construction of data centres around the world, and specifically in the US, has reached a breakneck pace. It is that pace, along with environmental worries, construction noise and electricity bill concerns, that have caused…
The United States possesses the highest number of data centres globally, despite the sites' unpopularity, particularly due to their role in powering artificial intelligence. Over the past decade, the construction of data centres worldwide, specifically in the US, has accelerated dramatically, leading to controversy. Factors contributing to this controversy include environmental concerns, construction noise, and escalating electricity bills.
While data centres have been around for some time, their significance surged at the close of President Joe Biden's term amid the AI boom and rapid adoption of the technology.
Data centre dissent peaked during President Donald Trump's second term, exacerbated by his polarizing character, an ailing domestic economy, rising grocery and fuel prices, and the decision to attack Iran. Consequently, the US elections are approaching, with most polls indicating the economy as a priority, but data centre anger and resentment towards Big Tech are also factors.
Currently, there are 1,393 operational data centres in the US, with approximately 2,800 under development. Virginia has more data centres than any other state, while Texas is planning larger sites to satisfy the growing demand for computing power. Developers are increasingly favoring fewer, more substantial super centres capable of delivering greater computing capacity from a single site.
However, questions arise regarding the extent of computing power required by AI, with some experts suggesting that models and agents will become more efficient over time, reducing the needed computing power.
Despite this, AI's growth could make AI more affordable, encouraging wider adoption and increasing overall demand for computing power. This uncertainty arises as the industry builds infrastructure for potential demand rather than sustained growth. Some projects have been cancelled, and no reason suggests this trend will stop. Big Tech companies and data centre operators have likely bet on the AI boom's continuity, but this may collide with a political reckoning.
During a Brookings Institution discussion, experts expressed concern over the lack of transparency in data centre negotiations and construction announcements. While private companies dismiss community concerns as hysteria, legitimate worries about noise and environmental impacts exist. However, these concerns are amplified by developers' indifference. Despite potential economic benefits, these might not reach the local communities.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
