Ai-driven data center expansion: a look at major US projects and their impacts

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has spurred a surge in data center construction across the United States, with several large-scale projects underway. Among them, a Texas campus aims for up to 17 gigawatts of capacity, while an Ohio site, largely contracted by OpenAI, targets 10 gigawatts. These projects, which require significant electricity and water, have raised concerns about local infrastructure and sustainability. The US currently hosts over 3,000 operating data centers, with more than 1,500 under development, consuming nearly 40% of global data center electricity in 2025. Meta, Google, Oracle, and other tech giants are investing heavily in these facilities. Meta’s $10 billion data center in Indiana, expected to be completed by 2028, and its Texas site, which will support over 300 permanent jobs, are among the highlights. Meanwhile, Project Freebird, part of Stargate, is set to deliver 1.2 gigawatts in Texas, with construction starting in 2025. Environmental and community concerns have led to lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny, particularly around energy use and local impacts. The Department of Energy noted SB Energy’s project in Ohio, which could provide up to 10 gigawatts of capacity, while Fermi America’s HyperGrid in Texas aims for 17 gigawatts, with a focus on on-site power generation. These developments underscore the growing scale and complexity of AI-driven data center expansion in the US.