ASU report claims data centers are emitting heat that could impact power bills
An Arizona State University (ASU) report suggests that heat emissions from data centers could raise air temperatures in nearby neighborhoods by 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit, potentially increasing homeowners' power bills by tens of dollars per month. The research, which found measurable warming downwind of data centers, also raises concerns about water supply depletion and the urban heat island effect. City leaders and utilities are beginning to discuss these findings for future planning and potential mitigation strategies.
A recent report from Arizona State University (ASU) is garnering national attention for its claims that data centers are emitting significant heat into surrounding neighborhoods, potentially increasing local air temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Researcher David Sailor, affiliated with ASU, states that this temperature elevation could lead to a several percent increase in utility bills for nearby homes, amounting to tens of dollars per month. The heat emissions are consistent 24/7 due to the continuous operation of rooftop air conditioning equipment.
The report also touches upon concerns regarding water supply depletion and the exacerbation of the urban heat island effect, noting that a single data center could have a heat output comparable to 200,000 to 300,000 homes. While current rules suggest a 400 to 500-foot setback between data centers and homes, the study indicates heat effects can extend much further, up to five football fields downwind. However, natural barriers like parks and waterways have been found to significantly blunt these heat effects.
City leaders and utilities are engaging with ASU to consider these findings for future planning and to explore ways to mitigate what the report terms "heat waste." Unresolved questions remain about the best technologies to prevent heat spread into neighborhoods and the transparency of data centers regarding their cooling methods. ASU is continuing its research into the interaction between home AC usage and ambient temperature increases, with the full report available on 12 News platforms.