A Sampson analysis released on October 27th stated that while the total electricity consumption of data centers in China and the US is similar, community resistance to the construction of AI data centers is more pronounced in the US. The US Department of Energy, citing data from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, reported that US data centers consumed approximately 176 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2023, accounting for 4.4% of the national total. The National Energy Administration disclosed that China's computing centers will consume approximately 170 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2025, accounting for 1.6% of the national total. A Gallup poll in March showed that 71% of respondents opposed building AI data centers in their area, higher than the 53% who opposed building nuclear power plants. Respondents were primarily concerned about resource consumption, environmental impact, quality of life, and utility bills. Newton County, Georgia, has also experienced water pressure controversies, with the mayor predicting a 33% increase in water rates over the next two years. The author believes that as AI infrastructure continues to expand, community opposition and the associated costs of water and electricity may become significant factors hindering project construction.
