Data Center Growth Raises Energy and Water Concerns
Rapid data center growth is projected to significantly increase electricity and water demand across the U.S., raising concerns about resource pressure. A Kansas Health Institute report highlights these trends, noting a potential 133% rise in electricity use by 2030 and a doubling or quadrupling of water consumption by 2028. Maryland counties, while having authority through adequate public facilities ordinances to manage water and wastewater impacts, possess limited power over energy consumption and grid capacity.
A recent report by the Kansas Health Institute highlights the growing concern over the increasing energy and water demands posed by expanding data center development. U.S. data centers consumed an estimated 183 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, accounting for over 4% of national electricity use, with projections indicating a rise to 426 terawatt-hours by 2030, a 133% increase.
Water consumption by data centers also totaled about 17 billion gallons in 2023, expected to double or even quadruple by 2028, with some facilities already situated in water-stressed areas. This escalating demand could necessitate substantial new electricity generation, potentially delaying the retirement of some fossil-fuel plants and complicating clean-energy objectives.
In Maryland, county leaders have significant power through adequate public facilities ordinances (APFOs) to manage the impact of development on water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as environmental concerns. However, their role in regulating energy consumption and grid capacity is much more limited. This ongoing discussion about energy and infrastructure challenges is being further explored in "The Briefing Room," a new limited series from the Conduit Street Podcast, which aims to provide insights into Maryland's policy landscape for county leaders.