Data centers come in many sizes and forms, but at their core, they are collections of networked computer servers used to store, process, and manage data, often accessed through the internet. Smaller data centers can be found in places like hospitals or universities, where they are often called server rooms.
Hyperscale data centers are exactly what they sound like: massive facilities built to handle enormous volumes of data. They support the growing demand for cloud computing, cryptocurrency, and, increasingly, artificial intelligence.
These large-scale operations can house thousands of servers and require complex systems to manage power, data processing, and cooling. Because they operate continuously, hyperscale data centers rely on extensive energy infrastructure and backup generators to prevent downtime and ensure constant access to data.
Some hyperscale data centers are owned and operated by major tech companies like Meta (Facebook), Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Others are developed by third-party companies that either sell entire facilities to clients or lease space within them to businesses that need large-scale data storage and computing power.
In Wisconsin, dozens of data centers have been proposed, and some have been approved with little comprehensive environmental review that looks at the cumulative impacts of these data centers and the infrastructure being built to support them.
Additionally, there are no protections for customers of the utilities that will be powering these massive energy users. Without proper oversight, ratepayers could be on the hook to pay for them.
Please write to Governor Evers and ask him to make sure there are strong protections for our climate, water, and pocketbooks as data center permits move forward.
