Data centre construction is accelerating worldwide, creating a backlash over electricity consumption, water use, noise and land occupation ahead of the US midterm elections on 3 November.
The world contains about 12,250 data centres, up from around 8,000 operational sites in 2021, according to Data Center Map. The US hosts 4,767 sites, followed by Europe, where the UK and Germany lead. The largest operational facility runs to roughly one million square metres in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, operated by China Telecom. Larger sites remain under construction, including Colossus 2, which will house hundreds of thousands of advanced AI chips and train Elon Musk's xAI chatbot Grok using 41 methane gas turbines.
Data centres worldwide consume more electricity than France, the BBC reports. This consumption drives carbon emissions and pressures local power grids. Facilities also require significant water for cooling, raising concerns about local shortages. Residents report noise complaints.
Sixteen US states have proposed laws to ban or temporarily block new facilities. The issue has become a midterm election flashpoint, with both Republicans and Democrats opposing expansion, though President Donald Trump dismissed the pushback as a "sick conspiracy". Outside the US, opposition has emerged in Mexico, France, Indonesia and the UK.
Supporters argue data centres are essential for national security and AI development. They generate tax revenue, attract investment and create construction jobs. A Brookings Center report found hyperscale facilities owned by tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft produce larger local job benefits than colocation facilities that lease space to remote tenants.
The tech industry is expected to spend $765 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026, rising to over $1 trillion in 2027. Some companies explore alternatives such as placing data centres in space or on the Moon to harness solar energy. Others predict increased on-device AI processing could reduce reliance on vast centralised facilities.