AI runs on dirty power — and the public pays the price
Data centers consume vast amounts of energy to power and cool their servers, leading to a significant carbon footprint. Their reliance on fossil fuels further exacerbates environmental concerns. Efforts to transition to renewable energy sources are crucial in mitigating the negative impact of data centers on the environment. Addressing the environmental impact of data centers is essential for promoting a more sustainable future.
Introduction
An Amazon data center in a formerly rural neighborhood in Ashburn, Virginia. The data center boom is driving utilities to torpedo renewable energy goals and rely on fossil fuels, pushing data centers' expected air-pollution-related public health costs to between $5.7 billion and $9.2 billion annually, a Business Insider investigation found. As Big Tech bets on generative AI, electricity demand for data centers far outstrips what renewable power can currently provide. Utility companies say fossil fuels generate cheaper, more reliable electricity to keep the ever-growing number of data centers running around the clock.
Data Center Growth and Electricity Demand
Developers filed permits for 1,240 data centers in the US as of 2024 — roughly quadruple the level in 2010. The resulting surge in electricity demand is already one of the most significant since the outbreak of World War II. If every permitted facility comes online, their electricity demand could reach between 149.6 terawatt-hours and 239.3 terawatt-hours annually. Tech companies say their electricity use is driven by consumer demand and efficiency is crucial due to power being data centers' most significant operating cost.
Environmental Impact and Public Health Costs
If all data centers that have received permits are brought online, Business Insider estimates electricity generation for data centers could reach between $5.7 to $9.2 billion in public health costs. Expected health impacts include between 190,000 and 300,000 asthma symptom cases and between 370 and 595 premature deaths each year. Data centers' backup generators emit harmful air pollutants that can have severe health effects.
Renewable Energy Efforts and Challenges
Despite commitments to clean energy, many data centers still rely on old-school energy sources that produce pollution. Big Tech companies are investing in renewable projects but the demand from data centers is causing utilities to scrap planned renewable projects and rely on fossil fuels. Transitioning entirely to renewable electricity generation is deemed "infeasible" by some utility companies.
Waterways and Construction Impact
The construction of data centers poses risks to habitats and waterways. Wetlands are affected, and contaminated water used for cooling can harm aquatic wildlife. Data center construction has led to violations of environmental regulations, with fines issued for violations of the Clean Air Act or the Clean Water Act.
HONESTAI ANALYSIS
As data centers continue to grow, their environmental impact and energy consumption raise concerns about public health, pollution, and habitat destruction. Efforts by tech companies to invest in renewables are counteracted by the increasing demand for electricity from data centers, leading to challenges in meeting renewable energy goals while sustaining the operations of these facilities.