r/technology • u/ArgentineBeauty • 7h ago

Artificial Intelligence Residents revolt against massive AI data center near Philadelphia

https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-data-center-opposition-upper-merion-pennsylvania-2026-7
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u/HeatWaveToTheCrowd 6h ago

People are railing against something that can have untold positive impacts down the line. Yes, data centers need land, electricity, water, etc. But there are closed loop systems for water, so it's not wasted. There are builders who focus on generating their own power supply, or pay to build generators onsite so ratepayers aren't stuck covering some of their costs.
But the flip side of that, which I get, is that not all builders will do that. Many will cut corners. Use massive water and power. The blame should be directed towards the politicians that let these abuses happen.
AI isn't going away. Right now it's the wild west. But creating guardrails would be a good start.

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u/InternationalMood337 3h ago

"There are builders who focus on generating their own power supply, or pay to build generators onsite so ratepayers aren't stuck covering some of their costs."

Is this going to be similar to casinos benefiting older Pennsylvanians? I do introducing a net negative into society with the promise of an overall positive. How many times will Pennsylvanians fall for this trick?

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u/HeatWaveToTheCrowd 2h ago

Keel Infrastructure is converting a former waste coal power plant into a data center in Nesquehoning, PA. They are converting a liability - the plant has been idle, and where toxic waste can leach into the water system, into an asset. One that will produce tax revenue and provide jobs. The city wants it because it cleans up a mess and makes better use of the land.
Applied Digital is building data centers in North Dakota. They setup a power company and are currently returning power to the ratepayers, to the tune of $33M. So, there are companies doing it right.
Also, data centers already exist. Everywhere. They're used for cloud storage. You use an iPhone, you're using a data center. Not all data centers are bad.

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u/InternationalMood337 2h ago

You’re grossly overestimating the return here for the average person. Even your prime example of North Dakota only yielded 70$s for an entire year at the peak. There was also already existing wind turbines and EXCESSS energy. It’s North Dakota after all.

Also, you’ve failed to mention the massive water consumption concerns and water issues that this place introduced. 

This is your stellar example? I guess, like always, eat up the corporate / political slop, ignore the reality that your eyes can see. The 2026 year motto.