Heat adds to strains on areas with data centers
A data center in Lowell, Massachusetts, operated by the Markley Group, is causing environmental concerns and straining the local power grid, especially during heatwaves. Residents are vocal about air and water quality issues, leading to growing opposition. In response, Lowell's City Council enacted a one-year moratorium on further data center expansion.
Residents of Lowell, Massachusetts, particularly in the Sacred Heart neighborhood, are experiencing significant environmental and quality of life issues stemming from a data center operated by the Markley Group. Eileen Castle, an 82-year-old resident, highlights concerns about air quality from diesel generators and excessive noise, leading her to keep her swimming pool empty. These problems are exacerbated during heatwaves, which increase electricity demand for data centers, straining local power grids and potentially worsening air quality due to the increased use of backup diesel generators.
Shaolei Ren, a professor at the University of California, Riverside, explained that data centers require intensive cooling, either through energy-heavy refrigeration or water-intensive evaporative methods, especially during high temperatures. The Markley Group's CEO, Jeff Markley, defended the Lowell facility, stating that generators are used only for emergencies and brief weekly tests, and that the site's water usage is a small fraction of the city's daily consumption. He also noted the company planted over 2,000 trees to improve air quality.
Despite the company's assurances, local opposition has grown, leading the Lowell City Council to unanimously pass a one-year moratorium in February, blocking further data center expansion. The article highlights ongoing tensions, including a contentious community forum on data center zoning where a 14-year-old girl was temporarily detained by police for speaking out of turn, sparking criticism against Lowell Mayor Erik Gitschier. Experts like Jonathan Koomey emphasize that while data center growth isn't a national crisis, the localized environmental and economic costs are substantial for affected communities. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has also issued an alert regarding the surge in large power consumers like AI data centers.