WISCONSIN, USA (EXCERPTS FROM https://wispolicyforum.org/): Several massive data centers are being planned in Wisconsin to help power the global boom in artificial intelligence. The centers would add demand for electricity and water, but do so after years of declining usage of both. Given that planned and potential data centers could require costly utility upgrades, it will be important to ensure those potential costs are fairly distributed.
In 2023, data centers used more than 4% of all electricity consumed in the United States. Federal officials expect that share to increase to between 6.7% and 12% by 2028, according to a study commissioned by the federal Energy Information Administration.
There are currently at least 40 of these facilities operating in the state, with more in the works. These centers will train and operate artificial intelligence (AI) models and will be capable of processing and storing terabytes of data and more. Projects are planned in Port Washington, Mount Pleasant, DeForest, Janesville, and Beaver Dam, with some drawing strong opposition from local residents.
Read the full Wisconsin Policy Forum article here, and the full Report here.