Concerns Over Data Center Proposal in Bessemer, Alabama
The increasing demand for AI technology has led to a need for specialized data centers that support the high-performance computing essential for machine learning. These facilities are crucial for the expanding AI landscape, but they come with significant environmental and energy costs that residents in Bessemer, Alabama, are beginning to feel.
In Bessemer, Logistic Land Investments LLC faces challenges in selling a large proposal for a 4.5 million square foot Data Processing Center, estimated at $14.5 billion, within the city limits. If it goes ahead, this center could become one of the largest in the U.S. and a major electricity consumer in Alabama.
While city officials have promoted the project as a potential boon for local taxes, many residents strongly oppose the construction. There’s widespread concern that the center will not benefit local resources, might have negative environmental repercussions, and may not deliver the promised financial uplift for the city.
Data centers, like the one proposed for Bessemer, demand substantial energy to operate. Estimates suggest that AI might increase electricity needs for data centers by 165% by 2030. Forecasts from industry experts predict a significant rise in global demand for data center capacity, which could reach between 171 and 219 gigawatts—a steep jump from the current 60 GW.
The Logistic Land Investment center would consist of 18 buildings equivalent in size to Walmart Supercenters, spanning over 100 acres. It’s projected to consume about 1,200 megawatts of energy—more than 90 times the total energy use of all homes in Bessemer, and over ten times that of Birmingham. This excessive energy requirement could raise the overall electricity demand in Alabama by 10%, possibly forcing Alabama Electric to significantly expand its fossil fuel investments, raising concerns about greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to energy, data centers require considerable water for cooling purposes. Although Logistic Land Investments didn’t offer a precise estimate of the water demand for the facility, documents indicate they requested around 200 gallons per day from the Warrior River Water Authority. Achieving that supply would necessitate major upgrades to the current distribution system, as the existing capacity wouldn’t suffice.
This situation places the proposed center among the largest water consumers in the area, aside from power plants. Bessemer residents are already skeptical about the reliability of their water supply.
Charles Miller, Policy Director at Alabama Rivers Alliance, shared concerns raised during community meetings about how local resources will be affected. He noted that Bessemer’s water system and its intake point near the Black Warrior River might complicate resource allocations.
Miller added that there are uncertainties regarding energy costs being shouldered by Bessemer versus neighboring counties, complicating the picture even further.
Air quality is another significant worry among Bessemer residents, especially since developers have confirmed plans to use diesel generators as backup power sources. Estimates suggest that they may need anywhere from 300 to 500 diesel generators to ensure reliability. Even unused generators would contribute to pollution through routine testing, and diesel exhaust poses serious health risks.
Moreover, the construction of the center could threaten local endangered species. Experts warn that the Birmingham Darter fish and other aquatic wildlife could face extinction due to the project’s impact on the ecosystem. A national environmental nonprofit is even considering legal action, citing concerns over the project’s environmental implications.
Despite these various objections, Bessemer’s city government appears inclined to move forward with the project, raising questions about the motivations behind this decision. Unfortunately, many residents feel left in the dark; the Chief of Staff to the mayor, along with city council members, have signed non-disclosure agreements with the developers, limiting transparency.
Miller expressed frustration over the concerns that this secrecy raises. He remarked on the oddity of city officials binding themselves to confidentiality with private developers, suggesting that it might perpetuate distrust among residents who seek clarification on the developments.
He emphasized that local residents should have access to information about the proposals impacting their community, and that withholding such details only exacerbates public concern.
Bessemer City Council is slated to meet for another planning session at City Hall on August 12th, but the agenda remains undisclosed, leaving many residents anxious about what’s to come.
