Oregon Data Centers Consume Nearly Quarter of State's Power, Report Finds
A new report from ECONorthwest and the University of Virginia reveals that Oregon's 111 data centers consume nearly a quarter of the state's electricity, with consumption projected to grow. The report, funded by the Lemelson Foundation, highlights significant data gaps regarding water usage and other community impacts. It also notes that data centers are a controversial topic, with local communities considering moratoriums on their development.
A first-of-its-kind report by ECONorthwest and the University of Virginia, funded by the Portland-based nonprofit Lemelson Foundation, quantifies the footprint of Oregon's data center industry. The study identifies 111 operational facilities and 32 additional facilities planned or under construction across the state. A key finding is that data centers accounted for approximately 23% of Oregon's retail electricity sales in 2025, with projections indicating this could rise to 31-32% by 2030, a demand that may challenge the state's current electricity grid infrastructure.
The report also highlights significant gaps in available data, particularly concerning water use and other environmental impacts on communities. Terry Wirkkala, an applied economist at ECOnorthwest, noted a divide in the state's data center market, with hyperscale facilities like Google's in The Dalles concentrated in Eastern Oregon, while future, smaller developments are expected on the west side. Researchers also examined economic contributions, reporting 2,630 direct data center employees statewide and $60.2 million in property taxes paid in 2025, alongside substantial tax exemptions. The report aims to inform public discussion as data centers become a contentious issue, with local communities increasingly considering moratoriums on their development.