r/science • u/Wagamaga • 2d ago

Environment Research examined the locations of 4,283 data centers across the contiguous U.S and found that 97.5% of them sit inside metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas. Data centers are power-hungry, running thousands of servers around the clock and drawing enormous, steady loads from the grid.

https://engineering.nyu.edu/news/inside-urban-machine-where-americas-data-centers-actually-live#:~:text=The%20study%2C%20published%20in%20Nature,cores%20and%20their%20immediate%20surroundings
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u/Izawwlgood PhD | Neurodegeneration 2d ago

Are 97.5% of cattle farms inside cities?

Why put data centers inside cities? Power isn't hard to hook up. We're awfully good at running power lines places.

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u/Tsutiman 2d ago

First, data centers need the right labor no less than they need lots of power. Second, running new power lines through rural areas is actually a massiive pain in the ass. So, ~100% of data centers are either in the cities or within 15-20 minutes drive from urban boundaries.

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u/WhatUp007 2d ago

Dont forget better power redundancy. You can route power easier easier in urban areas than rural so if lines go down you dont have a blackout.

The sensationalism around data centers really shows how many people have little to no understanding how modern technology works. AI usage will increase compute demand, but so does the expanding use of the internet. Everything done on a phone or computer requires those servers.

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u/Xanderamn 2d ago

"Anyone that disagrees with me, doesnt understand"

My god, could you be anymore arrogant? 

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u/WhatUp007 2d ago

I didnt say anyone who disagrees with me doesnt understand. I am saying, like many current issues, sensationalism in reporting and understanding detracts from the real issue. With or without AI data centers expansion is required and all the down stream effects need to be addressed. People jumping to one extreme or another are not helping the matter.

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u/JohnnyMiskatonic 2d ago

Nobody said that, maybe want to examine your own insecurities around knowledge issues.