AI Data Centers and the Energy Equation in the Allegheny Highlands

Artificial Intelligence is driving unprecedented technological growth, with data centers at the heart of this transformation. These facilities, already major energy consumers, are now facing skyrocketing demands due to AI’s immense computational power needs—up to fifty times greater than traditional data storage. For the Allegheny Highlands, this surge brings new challenges as Dominion Energy plans to build additional power plants and transmission lines, some of which may cut through local forests and communities, raising concerns about environmental and cultural impacts.

This is part two of a two-part story on data centers and their impact on the Allegheny Highlands. You can find part one on Allegheny Mountain Radio, where we explored Virginia’s role as a global leader in data center development and the ripple effects already reaching our region.

As AI reshapes the energy landscape, questions remain about how the Allegheny Highlands will balance progress and preservation. While tech companies pledge to invest in renewables and energy-efficient solutions, the region faces the immediate burden of potential land use changes, water strain, and increased infrastructure. At this crossroads, the Highlands must navigate how to protect its natural beauty and way of life while determining if the benefits of AI-driven growth will truly outweigh the costs.

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