Greensboro, North Carolina Development News

Data Center Development: Economic Benefits, Environmental Concerns, and Policy Considerations for Greensboro

The presentation by Chris Lloyd from McGuire Woods Consulting provided a comprehensive overview of data centers, including their types, operational dynamics, economic impacts, and environmental and community concerns. He discussed the growing global investment in data centers, their role in the U.S. economy, and the increasing demand driven by connected devices and future technologies like autonomous vehicles. Lloyd detailed different data center types (cloud/storage, enterprise, AI), user types (hyperscalers, co-locators), and operational needs such as power, water, fiber, and generators. Key concerns raised included energy consumption, water usage (especially with evaporative cooling systems), noise pollution, electromagnetic radiation, and the relatively low job creation compared to manufacturing. The presentation also covered the economic benefits, such as property tax revenue, and the community sentiment, highlighting concerns about environmental impact, utility rates, and property taxes, as well as the political polarization surrounding data centers. Several council members engaged in a detailed discussion regarding megawattage, water usage, PFAS impact, noise, heat, and the specific challenges and opportunities for Greensboro, including its water infrastructure and relationship with Duke Energy. Staff also provided input on feasibility studies, water/wastewater capacity, and potential system development fees.