Data center impacts discussed in Carbondale amid developments statewide
A presentation in Carbondale, Illinois, highlighted the environmental, water, and electricity impacts of data centers, noting the state's lack of specific regulations amidst increasing proposals. Citizens Utility Board and Prairie Rivers Network representatives spoke on concerns regarding energy rates and water usage. This comes as Perdomo Worldwide acquired a former power plant in Grand Tower, Illinois, citing it as a possible future site for large-scale data centers.
The Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship recently hosted a presentation in Carbondale, Illinois, drawing over 100 residents to discuss the growing impacts of data center developments across the state. The discussion highlighted concerns over data centers' effects on energy rates, climate goals, water usage, infrastructure, and land use, especially as Illinois currently lacks specific state-level regulations for these facilities. Andrew Rehn, director of climate policy with Prairie Rivers Network, emphasized the environmental threats posed by data centers to Illinois' climate targets.
Speakers, including Scott Allen from the Citizens Utility Board, addressed the significant energy consumption of data centers, noting that even a single large facility can consume as much electricity as 158,000 homes. Allen warned that the assumed online status of numerous proposed data centers is "scaring" the capacity market, thereby driving up energy rates for all consumers. The presentation also detailed the substantial water demands for cooling and power generation, with Rehn highlighting Illinois' vulnerability to increased water usage.
The discussion also touched upon long-term planning issues, such as the limited number of permanent jobs created post-construction and the lack of clarity regarding land use after data centers are decommissioned. A specific point of interest was the former Grand Tower power plant, acquired by Perdomo Worldwide in March 2025. Although no official data center proposal exists, Perdomo Worldwide is marketing the 300-acre site for future industrial development, including large-scale data centers. Amanda Pankau of Prairie Rivers Network noted the acquisition, stating that data centers were mentioned as a potential future use for the site.