Heat adds to strains on areas with data centers, raising temperature on AI debates
A recent heat wave is exacerbating power grid strain and air quality issues for communities near data centers, exemplified by Lowell, Massachusetts. Residents like Eileen Castle express concerns over noise, diesel fumes, and water usage from the Markley Group's data center. In response to growing opposition, Lowell's City Council enacted a one-year moratorium on further data center expansion.
The current heat wave in the eastern U.S. is intensifying strains on local power grids and worsening air quality in areas with data centers, such as Lowell, Massachusetts. Residents, particularly in the racially diverse Sacred Heart neighborhood, are increasingly vocal about the environmental impact of these facilities.
Eileen Castle, an 82-year-old resident, reports constant noise from industrial air conditioners and unexpected fumes from backup diesel generators at the Markley Group's data center located behind her home. State Representative Tara Hong highlighted that the affected area, designated as facing higher environmental and health risks, is predominantly low-income and working-class.
Shaolei Ren, a professor at the University of California, Riverside, explained that extreme heat significantly increases data center electricity demand for refrigeration-based cooling or water consumption for evaporative cooling. Diesel generators, used as backup, can severely degrade local air quality if activated broadly during heat waves.
Markley Group CEO Jeff Markley defended the Lowell facility, stating it has planted over 2,000 trees to improve air quality and only uses generators during actual power disruptions, with brief weekly tests. He noted the facility's water is sourced from the Merrimack River and uses a fraction of the city's daily consumption. Despite the company's reassurances, the Lowell City Council voted 10-0 in February to pass a one-year moratorium on further data center expansion due to mounting opposition. Tensions were high at a recent community forum on data center zoning, leading to a 14-year-old girl being temporarily detained by police after speaking out of turn.