The AI boom is reshaping the Midwest, driving a wave of data center development, straining energy systems, consuming millions of gallons of water — and triggering a new debate over who benefits.Why it matters: Data centers power the AI boom — but their soaring energy and water demands often go unreported, with unclear benefits for local communities and few permanent jobs created.
- Data centers used 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2023 and could consume up to 12% by 2028, per the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Data center construction is at an all-time high, increasing 69% year over year from 2023 to 2024, per CBRE, a commercial real estate firm.
Yes, and: The Midwest is emerging as one of the nation`s fastest-growing data center hubs, with development stretching from Kansas and Iowa to Great Lakes states like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin...
RSK: These articles by Axios hit the nail on the head and why the Midwest including Wisconsin is hot on the data center developers lists.
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- - Volume: 25 - WEEK: 17 Date: 4/23/2025 9:26:45 AM -