Technology news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Datacentres urged to address local concerns as opposition grows
Schneider Electric says demand for datacenter equipment remains strong, despite growing public opposition to new facilities. Its datacenter vice president argues operators will need to earn local support by being more open about projects’ effects on nearby communities.
Steven Carlini says residents have often had little visibility into plans until construction began, while concerns include electricity supply and bills, water use, emissions, land and noise. He expects permitting and operating rules to require disclosure and ongoing reporting. A Pew Research Center survey found that more than half of Americans view datacenters as harmful to the environment, household energy bills and water resources.
In short
- Schneider sees no slowdown in datacenter business.
- Communities want clearer information about local impacts.
- Operators may face disclosure and reporting requirements.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Datacentres provide infrastructure that supports growing digital demand, and sustained demand suggests they bring economic and practical benefits. New facilities can be built responsibly, but operators should explain their expected effects early and report on energy, water, emissions and other local impacts so communities can assess projects on evidence.
The case against
The scale and resource needs of datacentres can impose costs on nearby residents through pressure on electricity supply and bills, water use, emissions, land and noise. When plans become visible only after construction is under way, communities have little chance to scrutinise those effects, so stronger disclosure and ongoing reporting requirements are a reasonable way to protect local interests.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Register as “Datacenter operators must win hearts and minds, not just permits”.