Data center boom strains power grid amid record heat, raising pollution fears

Record heat waves are intensifying the strain on power grids due to the growing demand from data centers, leading to concerns about air quality and energy reliability in surrounding communities. In Lowell, Massachusetts, residents like Eileen Castle are experiencing the direct impact, with the constant hum of industrial air conditioners and occasional fumes from backup diesel generators affecting their quality of life.

Data centers require substantial energy for cooling, utilizing either energy-intensive refrigeration or water-intensive evaporative methods. During extreme heat, the demand on power grids surges, and some data centers may activate backup diesel generators, which can release harmful emissions. This situation is particularly concerning for communities like Lowell's Sacred Heart neighborhood, designated as facing higher environmental and health risks.

Shaolei Ren, a professor studying AI's environmental impact, noted that heat waves are "almost the worst situation for data center operation." He explained that while backup generators are typically used only during actual power disruptions or for brief weekly tests, their activation can be "a disaster for the local air quality."

Jeff Markley, CEO of the Markley Group, stated that their Lowell facility's generators are not run proactively and have been engaged only a handful of times in emergencies, with brief weekly testing. He also mentioned the company has planted over 2,000 trees nearby to improve air quality and that the facility uses about 118,000 gallons of water per day for cooling, a small fraction of the city's consumption.

State Representative Tara Hong highlighted that the data center is situated in a diverse, working-class neighborhood, underscoring the community's vulnerability to the environmental effects of such facilities.