Michigan Data Center Fears
Michigan’s Oakland Press recently reported on concerns many state residents have about the likelihood of data centers being built in the state.
“Technology companies have set their sights on vast swaths of land in Michigan in their race to build data centers — energy-hungry facilities that power artificial intelligence, movie streaming, web browsing, and other online tools.” Parts of Michigan have abundant electricity and ample unused land.
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have told the public about the considerable interest that data center builders have in the state. The argument in favor of data centers is jobs and the real estate market. The cons, at least according to the conventional wisdom, are that data centers will compete for electricity.
More Jobs? Higher Bills?
While most Michigan residents are concerned about rising electricity prices, which have happened in other states, some are worried about the environment. AI data centers use vast amounts of water. Some of their energy comes from fossil fuels.
One hurdle is that some activist groups in the state think their utilities and tech companies are lying, or at least misleading. Data centers will require more energy than they claim, disrupt the state’s ecological balance, and leave residential customers stuck with the bill.
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