See how data centers are changing the American landscape

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The rapid expansion of AI is reshaping the U.S. landscape, with increasingly large data centers replacing forests, farmland and desert
• Satellite imagery reviewed by The Washington Post shows the scale of development, including xAI’s Colossus 2 near Memphis and large new campuses across multiple states

🔭 The context: The U.S. has nearly 100 hyperscale data centers consuming at least 100 MW at peak operation, with another 120 under construction and 460 planned, according to Cleanview
• Around 40% of existing hyperscale facilities were built on previously developed land, while the remainder occupy farmland, shrubland or forest
• AI-focused facilities are also moving into rural areas where land and electricity can be cheaper

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Data-center expansion can drive land conversion, higher electricity demand and additional emissions, particularly where facilities rely on gas-fired generation
• The environmental footprint therefore depends not only on the buildings themselves but also on their power sources, land use and infrastructure

⏭️ What’s next: Developers are continuing to build larger campuses and, in some cases, dedicated power generation to meet demand and reduce pressure on local grids
• If currently planned projects proceed, Cleanview data indicate that the largest U.S. campuses could change substantially in scale and location by 2030

💬 One quote: “Traditionally it’s just one building situated in an urban area. Now, hyperscalers start with one building and then expand to ‘two, three, four, five, six buildings.’” — David Adams, California State University at Fullerton

📈 One stat: 460 — additional U.S. data centers reportedly planned, on top of nearly 100 operating and 120 under construction

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