Satellite and drone images reveal big delays in US data center construction
Data centers face construction delays and energy bottleneck as resistance grows.
TL;DR
- Nearly 40% of US data center projects are projected to miss their scheduled completion dates this year due to construction and power challenges.
- Key issues include chronic shortages of labor, power, and equipment, as well as lengthy permit processes.
- The substantial electricity demand of data centers is creating an energy bottleneck, impacting utility companies and potentially raising electricity bills for consumers.
- Community resistance to data center development is growing due to concerns about land use, environmental impact, and rising energy costs.
- Some tech companies are installing their own on-site power plants, often relying on natural gas turbines.
- Regulatory responses include pledges from tech companies to cover power costs and legislative actions like moratoriums on new data center approvals.