Experts weigh in on the largest environmental impacts of data centers
Experts are weighing in on the environmental impacts of data centers, focusing on a proposed facility in Colorado Springs. Concerns include water usage, energy demand, and grid reliability in Colorado. Local residents are trying to stay informed about the project's potential impacts.
As artificial intelligence data centers proliferate across the United States, communities are raising questions about their environmental and societal impacts. Dr. Kyri Baker, a professor at CU Boulder, highlighted key considerations for Colorado, including water usage, energy demand, grid reliability, and the extensive infrastructure required for these facilities.
While water often garners significant attention, Baker noted that modern data centers with closed-loop cooling systems can reduce water consumption. The more pressing concern for Colorado, she suggested, is the strain on the energy grid from large power loads, especially given existing issues with aging components and increased demand from other sources like air conditioners and electric vehicles. The environmental footprint also extends to supporting infrastructure such as power lines and plants, with gas-turbine powered centers posing a greater impact than those using renewables.
Colorado Springs Utilities affirmed its capacity to meet current electricity needs and outlined plans to boost renewable energy output by 300W, along with constructing natural gas generators southeast of Fountain. Raeden, the company proposing a data center in Colorado Springs, has indicated it will use a closed-loop water system and implement noise reduction barriers. Residents like Melissa Hills express a desire for the project to integrate well with the community and be as eco-friendly as possible, as an engineering study on light and sound pollution has been released.