How AI data centers could affect Pennsylvania’s water and electricity
Pennsylvania is attracting AI data center development because of its energy resources and proximity to major East Coast markets. Researchers warn that the facilities could increase demand for electricity and water, strain public infrastructure, affect taxpayers and neighbors, and convert farmland to industrial use.
Pennsylvania’s appeal for artificial intelligence data centers is prompting concerns about the facilities’ demands on electricity, water and local infrastructure. Brian R. King, an associate professor of computer science at Bucknell University, said the state’s energy resources and location are helping attract companies, while the growth of AI is increasing power demand.
Benjamin Hayes, director of Watershed Sciences and Engineering, said data centers may require substantial water for cooling and can place additional pressure on public water supplies, watersheds and taxpayers. Hayes called for statewide or regional reviews that consider the combined effects of multiple projects, including energy use, drought conditions, land use and community needs. King also suggested that smaller, task-specific AI models could reduce computing requirements.