Protests against data center construction in the US as locals fear rising electricity prices

The development of artificial intelligence is also tied to expectations of strong growth in the demand for energy to power it. Data center developers, particularly in the US, therefore often do not rely on power grid upgrades and instead build their own gas-fired power plants alongside their facilities. These plans may, however, face opposition from local communities concerned about environmental impacts as well as the risk of rising gas or electricity prices due to increased demand.

As artificial intelligence spreads across a range of sectors and its use grows, so does the need for computing capacity. This is provided by new data centers, whose boom is apparently far from over. But the growing volume of services that use artificial intelligence is also driving up energy demand. Data center development is also being discussed in the area around the US city of Pittsburgh, where, according to CBS News, proponents of their construction are clashing with opponents from local communities.

Supporters of data center development say that the combination of local universities and access to natural gas resources offers an opportunity to turn old industrial areas into modern data centers that would provide companies in the artificial intelligence sector with the computing power they need. Ken Broadbent, president of the Steamfitters union, says the region has all the resources needed to develop the artificial intelligence sector, including the skilled technicians required to build and operate data centers.

"Let’s use natural gas, let’s use our intellectual strength. Our workforce in western Pennsylvania is second to none. The building trades can build anything. We need to get moving," said Broadbent.

Not everyone, however, agrees with the intensive construction of data centers, for various reasons. Residents of Stowe Township and Springdale, for example, are concerned about increased noise, pollution and the effects of drawing the large volumes of water needed for cooling.

Another concern is the risk of rising energy prices, particularly because of higher electricity demand from data center operations. Higher consumption of electricity and natural gas also raises questions about the possible expansion of fracking and its environmental impacts.

"Should we have to pay higher electricity bills for doing the same things we’ve been doing for years, just because this new industry is increasing demand for electricity? That doesn’t seem fair to me," Matt Mehalik, executive director of The Breath Project, said, according to CBS News.