Data center moratorium proposal moves forward in Orangeburg County
Orangeburg County leaders have passed the first reading of a proposed temporary moratorium on data center rezonings. Residents express concerns about environmental impact, water, and electricity consumption. A USC professor discusses data centers' power and water needs, especially with AI advancements.
Orangeburg County leaders are considering a temporary moratorium on data center rezonings, which passed its first reading this week. This move comes as data center developers seek new locations in South Carolina, prompting another county to push back against their rapid expansion.
Residents of Orangeburg County voiced strong opposition and concerns about the potential impacts of data centers on their community. They highlighted worries about environmental degradation, water contamination, and the overall quality of life, emphasizing that the community lacks sufficient knowledge about these facilities and their effects.
Adel Nassiri, a USC professor of electrical engineering, provided expert insight, explaining that while data centers are crucial for AI advancement, they demand significant power and water. He noted that mid-sized data centers consume 100 to 200 megawatts, with some of the largest requiring 500 to 1000 megawatts. However, he also mentioned that newer cooling technologies have improved water recycling, potentially reducing water consumption for modern facilities. The second vote on the moratorium has not yet been scheduled.