Data centers are Oklahoma's next infrastructure story
This opinion piece argues that data centers are vital infrastructure for Oklahoma's future, despite valid concerns about their demands on water and electricity. The authors highlight industry advancements in efficiency and new state laws, such as the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act, that address these concerns. They advocate for a pragmatic approach to welcoming data center development, likening it to Oklahoma's historical oil and gas industry.
In an opinion piece for The Oklahoman, Collin Walke and Madeline Mitchell Stacy argue that data centers represent Oklahoma's next crucial infrastructure, drawing parallels to the state's historical reliance on the oil industry. They acknowledge the public's concerns regarding the massive physical footprint and resource demands of modern AI facilities, particularly concerning local water and power supplies.
The authors emphasize the data center industry's significant advancements in efficiency. They cite a 550% surge in global data center computing output between 2010 and 2018, with only a 6% increase in energy consumption, attributing this to innovations like improved Power Usage Effectiveness. They also note Oklahoma's energy surplus and recent state legislation, including a law permitting data centers to operate on-site power generation and the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act, which safeguards ratepayers from increased electricity bills due to data center infrastructure costs.
Regarding water consumption, the article highlights the industry's shift from evaporative cooling to closed-loop systems, which can reduce freshwater use by up to 70%, alongside new technologies like air and liquid cooling. They reference Google's pledge to be "water positive" by 2030 as an example of industry commitment.
Walke and Stacy conclude by advocating for a forward-thinking, pragmatic approach to data center development, asserting that it will bring high-paying jobs, substantial tax revenues, and economic diversification to Oklahoma.