AI data centers are now facing the same challenges that the Bitcoin industry once faced: opposition from local US communities.
While both sectors promise job opportunities and economic investment, high energy consumption and the impact on local infrastructure are raising concerns.
In states like Texas, Georgia, Illinois, and Mississippi, residents and officials are beginning to question the long-term costs and environmental impacts of energy-intensive data centers.
In fact, recent data shows that over $64 billion in data center projects in the United States have been delayed or canceled due to local obstacles.
Bitcoin’s experience is a valuable lesson for AI companies.
In the past, Bitcoin sought cheap electricity and industrial land, but the promise of jobs and tax contributions didn’t always live up to expectations, leading to rejection in some areas.
Now, AI companies like Microsoft and OpenAI are trying to take a more community-friendly approach. For example, OpenAI is willing to pay for its own energy costs and tailor data center development to reduce pressure on the power grid and local infrastructure.
Interestingly, several companies in the Bitcoin industry themselves are now turning to AI and high-performance computing (HPC).
Companies like Hut 8, MARA, Riot, TeraWulf, and HIVE are beginning to explore this new opportunity as a diversification strategy, especially after the 2024 Bitcoin halving that has affected profit margins.
What is clear is that advanced technology is not only about innovation, but also about being responsible for the community and the environment.
Local communities are now more vigilant, and companies that want to grow need to demonstrate real benefits to the surrounding area, not just empty promises.
