Ideal US Sites for Data Center Construction Revealed

Recent investments in data centers by tech companies are significantly impacting the US economy. As the AI race continues, the need for these facilities is surging. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced a commitment to invest $600 billion in US infrastructure, including data centers, by 2028. Meanwhile, OpenAI is set to contribute an impressive $1.4 trillion.

Environmental Considerations in Data Center Construction

A recent study published in Nature Communications examines the environmental effects of data center expansion in the US. It analyzes various data sources, including state electricity, water scarcity, and AI chip demand, to project the potential consequences of this growth.

• The study began three years ago and was co-authored by Fengqi You, an energy systems engineering professor at Cornell University.
• It emphasizes that tech companies’ net-zero emissions promises may not hold without addressing energy and water requirements.
• AI’s rapid growth, particularly under the Trump administration, has intensified the urgency of these considerations.

Factors Influencing Data Center Locations

Different states in the US offer varying environmental impacts for data centers, particularly regarding carbon footprints and water usage. States with cleaner energy grids and less water scarcity are ideal candidates for locating these facilities.

• Texas, Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota have been identified as optimal states for future AI server installations.
• These locations balance energy needs with water availability, making them more sustainable.

Historic Data Center Hubs

Historically, significant data center expansion has occurred in Virginia and Northern California. These areas provide proximity to influential urban centers like Washington, DC, and Silicon Valley.

• Virginia stands out with over 650 data centers, leading the nation.
• California ranks third, featuring more than 320 data centers.

To attract development, Virginia offers substantial tax incentives, a strategy other states are now adopting. As the demand for data centers continues to rise, finding suitable locations that prioritize environmental sustainability becomes crucial in shaping the future of this industry.