Energy Consumption

Data centers for artificial intelligence have become a central issue in the US midterm election campaigns. About 70% of Americans oppose the construction of such facilities near their homes, citing concerns over rising electricity and water costs. The issue has sparked tension even within the Republican Party, forcing the Governor of Texas to impose new regulations.

The largest technology companies in the United States are expected to spend more than $700 billion by the end of 2026 on computing infrastructure and artificial intelligence, nearly double the amount spent the previous year. Leading firms, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Oracle, are known as "hyperscalers."

Sebastian Rocci learned about data centers from YouTube, then flew to Silicon Valley to visit one. Now he promises the poor Imperial County in Southern California an economic renaissance: about 1,700 construction jobs, more than 100 permanent jobs in engineering and cybersecurity, and almost $30 million in annual tax revenue. Residents, however, are much less impressed.