data centers

Developers are eyeing several Oklahoma communities as sites for huge, hyperscale data centers. These massive facilities can bring an influx of cash to local schools and governments, but they can also inflict unpleasant sights and sounds on neighbors.

Developers are eyeing several Oklahoma communities as sites for huge, hyperscale data centers. These massive facilities can bring an influx of cash to local schools and governments, but they also demand resources.

CEO Sundar Pichai announced the investment with Gov. Greg Abbott during a press conference Friday.

The 1.8 million square foot "hyperscale" data center would be the largest development in Wyandotte County's history. But residents and an environmental group voiced concerns about government transparency, location and environmental costs.

Local leaders see data centers, which help power the world's shift to artificial intelligence, as a way to keep their towns open. Residents worry their way of life — and water — is at stake.

Other smaller oil and gas producing regions in the state are better poised to help power the growing data center market, a new report found.

A wave of massive data centers is expanding across Texas, prompting warnings from experts who say the new water demands could push the state's already strained supply to the brink.

In the next 15 years, the demand for electricity in the U.S. is expected to increase by 30 to 50%. Data centers are a big part of that. But it's not just industry that will need more power. Commentator Scott Carlberg takes a look at energy use in the U.S. and how we all have a role to play.

Google announced Wednesday it's making a new $9 billion dollar investment in Oklahoma within the next two years. The money will create state and academic and workforce incentives around cloud tech, artificial intelligence and data center expansions.

Data centers are expanding across the central U.S. to meet growing demand for artificial intelligence. That's raising concerns about growing energy demand and freshwater usage.