Study: Data centers’ power growth likely in handful of states, including Ohio
A study by Ohio State University projects that data centers supporting artificial intelligence will drive substantial electricity demand, with Ohio among the states likely to see concentrated growth. The report warns that power costs could rise for consumers if data center developers do not cover related infrastructure expenses, while Ohio groups debate moratoriums and the environmental effects of new facilities.
A new Ohio State University study finds that data center electricity consumption could more than double worldwide by 2030 as artificial intelligence and large-scale data analytics expand. The study identifies Ohio, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Oregon and Iowa among the major data center hubs, with a small number of states expected to account for most new power demand.
The report raises concerns about who will pay for new electricity infrastructure and whether higher costs could be passed on to households, farms and businesses. Ohio State professor Ani L. Katchova said consumers could face higher electric rates if data center customers do not cover those costs, although the industry could also generate significant tax revenue.
The Buckeye Institute opposes moratoriums on new Ohio data centers and argues that developers should bear project-related costs and pay local property taxes. Conserve Ohio leader Andrew Gula supports stronger opposition to large data center construction, citing land use, artificial intelligence-related job concerns and the potential replacement of renewable energy with gas-fired generation.