When you cross into Loudon County, Virginia, one of the first things you notice is the hum - that's the sound of 199 data centres whirring in the background. Few people have heard of this inconspicuous part of northern Virginia, which also happens to be the wealthiest county in America. But Loudon was on everyone's radar earlier this week, when a massive global Amazon outage downed everything from crucial banking services to fun Snapchat streaks for millions.
That's because the county is home to the world's largest swath of data storage and processing facilities - even outpacing China. Data centres - dedicated spaces for computer systems that help power the internet and artificial intelligence - are essential to our global connectivity.
But while they have proven to be a lucrative business - contributing billions to the local economy - some residents worry the cost comes at too high a price. There are some 200 facilities taking up about 45 million square metres in Loudoun, giving the county the nickname Data Center Alley. Data centres take up 3% of the total land area of the county and 40% of its budget. And now more facilities are on their way.
Emily Kasabian was walking her newborn son along her picturesque neighbourhood road in Virginia earlier this year, when she saw something that stopped her in her tracks. A sign for a proposed data centre moving in across the street. Two years ago, when Ms Kasabian purchased her home she said she was relieved to be away from the data centres that have taken over other parts of the county.
The overwhelming presence and imposing size of the centres are concerns for residents. Greg Pirio observes the massive data centre near his home, lamenting the loss of wildlife and the increase in noise pollution, impacting the quality of life.
Additionally, residents are frustrated with rising electricity bills, as wholesale electricity costs have surged by as much as 267% in areas near data centres, according to a Bloomberg News investigation. Despite local opposition, the data center industry has strong proponents at various levels, including political leaders advocating for the growth of technological infrastructure to support the booming AI industry.
Since the market's initial growth, Virginia has attracted major companies such as Amazon and Google due to its flat, affordable land and skilled workforce. However, local regulations remain limited, with state officials, under Governor Glenn Youngkin, rejecting attempts to impose stricter oversight.
As the debate continues, locals like Barbara Day express concerns about balancing economic growth with the preservation of a livable environment, urging that the rapid expansion of data centres must be reconsidered to protect the community's quality of life.
That's because the county is home to the world's largest swath of data storage and processing facilities - even outpacing China. Data centres - dedicated spaces for computer systems that help power the internet and artificial intelligence - are essential to our global connectivity.
But while they have proven to be a lucrative business - contributing billions to the local economy - some residents worry the cost comes at too high a price. There are some 200 facilities taking up about 45 million square metres in Loudoun, giving the county the nickname Data Center Alley. Data centres take up 3% of the total land area of the county and 40% of its budget. And now more facilities are on their way.
Emily Kasabian was walking her newborn son along her picturesque neighbourhood road in Virginia earlier this year, when she saw something that stopped her in her tracks. A sign for a proposed data centre moving in across the street. Two years ago, when Ms Kasabian purchased her home she said she was relieved to be away from the data centres that have taken over other parts of the county.
The overwhelming presence and imposing size of the centres are concerns for residents. Greg Pirio observes the massive data centre near his home, lamenting the loss of wildlife and the increase in noise pollution, impacting the quality of life.
Additionally, residents are frustrated with rising electricity bills, as wholesale electricity costs have surged by as much as 267% in areas near data centres, according to a Bloomberg News investigation. Despite local opposition, the data center industry has strong proponents at various levels, including political leaders advocating for the growth of technological infrastructure to support the booming AI industry.
Since the market's initial growth, Virginia has attracted major companies such as Amazon and Google due to its flat, affordable land and skilled workforce. However, local regulations remain limited, with state officials, under Governor Glenn Youngkin, rejecting attempts to impose stricter oversight.
As the debate continues, locals like Barbara Day express concerns about balancing economic growth with the preservation of a livable environment, urging that the rapid expansion of data centres must be reconsidered to protect the community's quality of life.
