Heat adds to strains on areas with data centers

11 hours ago

Heat waves increase electricity demand for data centers, straining power grids and worsening local air quality.
Data centers use energy-intensive cooling systems and backup diesel generators, which can harm air quality during heat waves.
Lowell, Massachusetts residents oppose a local data center due to environmental and health concerns, leading to a moratorium on expansion.
Data center electricity use is growing locally but not nationally, though large power consumers pose grid reliability risks.
Community tensions over data centers have escalated, including protests and police involvement at public meetings.

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