Why data centres face growing opposition
Big, noisy and coming to a town near you - why the data centre backlash is growing
Monday, 26 October 2026
Photo by Jerome Cha on Unsplash
Warm-up
- What do you use the internet for most each day?
- What problems can big industrial buildings cause nearby?
- Should towns limit projects that use lots of power? Why?
Vocabulary
- backlash
- a strong public reaction against something
- expand
- to grow in size, number or activity
- capacity
- the total amount something can hold or produce
- turbine
- a machine with blades that turns to make power
- pollution
- harmful substances in the air, water or land
- emission
- gas or smoke sent out into the air
- regulator
- an official body that checks rules and safety
- shortage
- a situation when there is not enough of something
Reading
Listen to this story
British EnglishData centres power web searches, emails and AI tools, but a growing backlash says they use too much electricity and water. A few years ago, people had not heard the term. Now they are a political issue in the US before the 3 November midterm elections. President Donald Trump has dismissed the pushback, while both Republicans and Democrats have opposed new sites.
Data centres have expanded rapidly: Data Center Map counts about 12,250 worldwide, up from about 8,000 in 2021. The US has 4,767 sites and leads on capacity. New mega-sites aim to serve AI: one project, Colossus 2, will use 41 methane gas turbines, which activists say may worsen air pollution, though local regulators say standards will be met.
Experts warn of water shortages, pressure on local grids and higher emissions. Data centres worldwide are thought to consume more electricity than France, and some fear energy prices could rise. With worries about noise and land use, a backlash is gathering pace. Some 16 US states have proposed pauses or bans. Outside the US, opposition has appeared in Mexico, France, Indonesia and the UK.
Comprehension
- What online services do data centres support?
- How many data centres are there worldwide now, and in 2021?
- Which country has the most sites and leads on capacity?
- Why are activists worried about the Colossus 2 project?
- How many US states have proposed pauses or bans?
Grammar focus
Past perfect
Use had + past participle to show an earlier past action before another past time/event. Common signals: before, by the time, when. (Examples constructed.)
- By the time the midterms began, some states had proposed pauses.
- Before regulators replied, activists had warned about air pollution.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence with the past perfect form.
- By then, residents (collect) ___ signatures.
- Before approval, planners (ask) ___ for studies.
- When the vote began, experts (prepare) ___ a report.
- By then, many locals (oppose) ___ new sites.
- Before election day, candidates (promise) ___ to review rules.
Discussion
- Should local leaders approve or block new data centres? Why?
- What limits would you set for energy and water use?
- How could centres reduce noise, emissions and visual impact?
- Do job benefits outweigh environmental costs in your view?
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