Microsoft, Google confront rising data centre backlash
Executives from Microsoft and Google addressed growing criticisms of data center expansion at climate meetings in New York, focusing on efforts to manage costs, support the workforce, and improve water efficiency. The industry faces widespread political and local opposition, causing delays for numerous projects across the US. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker suggested states impose conditions on new facilities, such as requiring clean energy and closed-loop water systems, rather than implementing moratoriums.
Executives from Microsoft and Alphabet Inc's Google confronted rising criticism over the rapid expansion of data centers during recent climate meetings in New York. They aimed to alleviate community concerns by highlighting initiatives to protect consumers from facility costs, bolster the workforce, and enhance water usage efficiency. Microsoft's chief sustainability officer, Melanie Nakagawa, emphasized transparency regarding water usage and the critical need to invest in the American workforce.
Amanda Peterson Corio, global head of data-center energy at Google, noted the significant political opposition from both sides of the spectrum, which is disrupting projects nationwide. A report by Data Center Watch indicated that approximately 45 developments, valued at US$68 billion, were either blocked or delayed in the second quarter due of local resistance. Major developers and consumers of data center capacity, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta, are at the forefront of this expansion.
Amazon's chief sustainability officer, Kara Hurst, highlighted that 90% of the company's data centers do not use water for cooling and called for renewed attention to grid stability through sound policies that encourage investment in clean energy sources. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker acknowledged legitimate concerns about data centers' enormous electricity and water demands, noise, and zoning issues. While not advocating for a blanket moratorium, he suggested states should impose conditions on new facilities, such as mandating self-supplied clean energy and closed-loop water systems.
Brook Porter, a partner at G2 Venture Partners, considered the widespread backlash