Utility researchers find data centers pose minimal C02 and cost impacts

Researchers at the Electric Power Research Institute say the growth of data centers that support artificial intelligence poses minimal impacts on carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity generators needed to power those facilities, and only incremental costs from an increased demand for energy.

“The need for power has become a critical consideration for [data centers] and AI growth with multi-year connection lead times, demand for reliable electricity, and company emissions targets all creating the potential for regional electricity supply challenges,”...