The US Environmental Protection Agency has said that certain power generators supplying data centres independently of the electricity grid are not covered by the federal Acid Rain Programme. The clarification could make it easier for data centres to build dedicated on-site or nearby generation, as demand driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing puts increasing pressure on power networks.

The agency said the move is intended to encourage data centres to bring their own power and reduce potential effects on consumers’ electricity bills. The Acid Rain Programme regulates sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from the power sector; the EPA noted that data-centre generators may still be subject to other federal air-pollution rules, including standards for combustion turbines and engines.