Connecting the dots as data centers come to town

Hyperscale data centers are being scrutinized like never before. Even mid-size facilities are receiving fierce pushback, as seen with the data center planned near the Nashville Zoo. But according to analysis by the Pew Research Center, the future of data centers lies in more rural areas, which is why the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom has been checking in with communities in the region that have gotten big data centers — as well as those who are preparing for their arrival. In this episode, we get updates from Gallatin, Memphis, West Virginia and central Kentucky and hear about the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s call for an 18-month moratorium. 

This episode was produced by John Boyle and Blake Farmer.

Guests: 

• Lisa Autry, reporter, WKYU Bowling Green
• Caroline Eggers, environmental reporter, WPLN News
• Stephen Smith, executive director, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

Further reading:

• Kentucky’s yet to see a hyperscale data center come online, but Gallatin could offer a glimpse at what to expect [WKYU]
• Noise pollution from data centers is coming. The gas-powered xAI model is spreading [WPLN]
• Will utility bills rise from data centers? TVA’s rate change leaves public guessing [WPLN]
• The Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom presents: When data centers come to town [AMSN]