Why New England doesn't have large AI data centers, and what the region is doing to prepare for them
The article examines why New England has not attracted hyperscale AI data centers, citing limited land, high electricity costs, grid constraints and local opposition. It also describes proposed projects, regional planning efforts, Massachusetts requirements for large facilities and potential moratoriums in New Hampshire and other communities.
New England has roughly 100 mostly smaller or colocation data centers, but no large-scale AI training facilities. Experts attribute the region’s lack of hyperscale development to limited suitable land, high electricity prices, difficult permitting, constrained transmission and generation capacity, and concerns about water use, emissions, noise and rising utility costs. Existing facilities include Equinix’s site in Billerica and Markley’s data center in Lowell, where residents have sued over generator pollution and noise.
Several larger proposals have been shelved or remain preliminary, including projects in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. A Trumbull, Connecticut, operator is instead considering an AI retrofit that would not expand the facility’s footprint or power demand. Local opposition has prompted communities to consider temporary moratoriums, while Massachusetts has released a framework requiring facilities larger than 25 megawatts to obtain local support, sign community benefits agreements and provide their own energy source. ISO New England is studying grid-connection procedures and market changes, and New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she supports a statewide moratorium if reelected.