New study raises heat island concerns as NC data center boom grows
A new study led by University of Cambridge researchers found that large AI-focused data centers may create localized 'heat islands,' with land surface temperatures rising an average of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. North Carolina, a growing hub for data center development, may face environmental tradeoffs as the industry expands.
North Carolina is experiencing a boom in data center development, driven by the artificial intelligence industry. A new study suggests that large AI-focused data centers may create localized 'heat islands,' with land surface temperatures rising an average of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Researchers analyzed satellite land surface temperature data from 2004 to 2024 and compared it with the locations of thousands of data centers worldwide. The state has more than 40 operating data centers, with dozens more announced or under construction. Planned and active capacity could grow from roughly 3 gigawatts to nearly 6 gigawatts over the next decade. The growth has triggered backlash in some communities, with concerns over land use, infrastructure, and quality of life.
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