Internet data centers are driving the resurgence of coal power

Surging energy demands from a hub of global internet traffic are precipitating a shift back to coal power, impacting communities and energy policies across four states.

Antonio Olivo reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

Massive data centers in Northern Virginia are causing increased demand for electricity, leading to proposals for expanding coal power usage and transmission lines.
This development challenges clean energy initiatives, with coal plants originally set to shut down being kept operational to meet energy demands.
Local residents express concerns over environmental and aesthetic impacts, feeling marginalized by decisions that favor industry needs over local well-being.

Key quote:

"It's not right. These power lines? They're not for me and my family. I didn't vote on this. And the data centers? That's not in West Virginia. That's a whole different state."

— Mary Gee, local resident

Why this matters:

Internet data centers require vast amounts of electricity to power servers, cooling systems, and other infrastructure. As more data is generated and accessed online, the energy demand of these centers skyrockets, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based power sources.

“Stop hurting us:” Protestors plead for their health outside a Pittsburgh gathering of coal and steel execs.

www.washingtonpost.com

Internet data centers are driving the resurgence of coal power

Climate activism is getting a glow-up in Pattie Gonia’s environmental drag tour

Heatwaves in France cause around 5,400 deaths a year. Vulnerable communities are hit first

Shape-shifting liquid stores energy, releasing it on demand

The White House’s energy policies are costing Americans dearly

Inside the US government's push to divert Puerto Rico solar funds to a bankrupt utility

Increasingly fierce storms are coming for the Texas coast. Is the petrochemical industry ready?

Trump administration’s coal investments breathe new life into plants with repeated violations

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.