Report Quantifies Oregon Data Centers and Their Impact
A new report by ECONorthwest and the University of Virginia details the size and impact of data centers in Oregon. It reveals over 100 data centers consuming nearly a quarter of the state's electricity. The report also highlights significant gaps in understanding the industry's economic and community effects.
A new report released by ECONorthwest and the University of Virginia, with funding from the Portland-based nonprofit Lemelson Foundation, has for the first time quantified the size and scope of the data center industry in Oregon. The study, prompted by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and growing political tensions surrounding data centers, reveals crucial yet previously hard-to-find data.
Key findings indicate that Oregon currently hosts 111 data centers, with an additional 32 in the development pipeline. These facilities collectively employ approximately 2,630 direct workers and are projected to consume about 23% of the state's total electricity demand by 2025. Beyond these figures, the report also emphasizes a critical lack of information regarding the broader economic and community impacts of data centers across the state, pointing to a need for further research and data collection.