Data Center Boom in U.S. Raises Energy Demand Concerns Amid AI Growth and Climate Funding Challenges.

The article discusses the potential for a data center boom in the United States due to the rise of AI-enabled activities, which require more data processing and electricity to power these facilities. Analysts predict that these facilities could account for up to 9% of U.S. energy demand by 2030. Data centers in the Midwest could be used to store tons of data and serve as a valuable resource for renewable energy development. However, data center proliferation in Virginia and the Southeast has been a cautionary tale for clean energy, as utilities have announced plans to build new gas plants and keep coal plants open longer due to data centers’ energy needs. The article also discusses the importance of climate funding in congressional districts represented by Republicans who voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which has resulted in over three quarters of the $34 billion announced investments going to congressional districts where Republicans voted against it. It also highlights the potential benefits of small nuclear reactors for the industry, with the Energy Department announcing $900 million for small nuclear reactor development.