Across the United States, a growing backlash against data centres is threatening the AI boom. The massive facilities, which consume vast amounts of power and water, are being met with fierce resistance from local residents who fear the impact on their neighbourhoods and the environment.
Despite the opposition, the data centre industry is expected to continue growing, with an estimated $3 trillion being invested in AI data centres globally between 2026 and 2030. Much of this investment is earmarked for the United States, where the industry is expected to expand its total AI computing capacity from just under 12GW to as much as 60GW by the end of the decade.
However, the backlash against data centres is not just about aesthetics or environmental concerns. Many residents are worried about the potential risks associated with the rapid growth of AI, including the possibility of rogue AI systems that could pose a threat to humanity.
As the debate over data centres continues to rage, the question remains: will the industry be able to stay ahead of the backlash and continue to drive the growth of AI, or will the opposition prove too great to overcome?
