Data centers spark questions about energy use as Central New prepares for growth
The growth of data centers in Central New York is raising questions about their significant energy consumption and the capacity of the electric grid. Community members are also concerned about the environmental impact and the extensive natural resources required for these facilities. Experts emphasize the need to build data centers responsibly.
The increasing prevalence of data centers in Central New York is prompting significant questions regarding their energy consumption and the ability of the local electric grid to accommodate future growth. As demand for services like artificial intelligence and streaming surges, these facilities, which house computer systems for processing and storing information, require substantial amounts of electricity.
Lindsay Anderson, a professor and chair of Cornell's Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, highlighted that every digital action, from streaming to using AI tools, utilizes computing resources in data centers, making their energy footprint considerable. This growth has also led to environmental concerns among community members, such as Danyelle Monk, who worries about the impact of large data centers on natural resources. The conversation, according to experts, is shifting from whether data centers are needed to how they can be developed and operated responsibly. New York state currently hosts approximately 132 data centers, with the New York City metropolitan area and New Jersey forming a major global data hub.