Remote Data Centers Need Land And Energy

Douglas McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief at Climate Crisis 24/7, reported that Michigan’s Howell Township may soon host the state’s largest data center, backed by $1 billion in investment. While cheap land makes the project attractive, McIntyre highlighted major uncertainties—such as where the massive energy, water, and workforce needs will be met in a county of only 10,000 residents. He added that Howell is part of a larger trend, with companies like Meta and XAI also siting data centers in increasingly remote areas.