Data centers in Arizona are raising local temperatures by as much as four degrees Fahrenheit, according to a study conducted by researchers at Arizona State University. The findings indicate that the thermal output from these facilities poses increased public health risks, especially in heat-prone areas like Phoenix.
The study highlighted that heat islands—regions where temperatures are significantly elevated—have been recorded near data centers with temperature variations reaching 16 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas. Researchers measured temperatures at four facilities, noting that their heat output can equate to the energy needs of approximately 40,000 households.
Measurements showed air temperatures near the data centers were between 14 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit higher than those measured farther away. Downwind thermal plumes from the facilities are estimated to raise temperatures by an average of 1.3 to 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit, with the highest increase observed being four degrees Fahrenheit greater than upwind temperatures.
David Sailor, a professor at Arizona State University and the lead author of the study, emphasized that even minor temperature increases can significantly impact public health and increase energy consumption, particularly as demand for air conditioning rises due to higher temperatures. Increased energy use can further magnify local temperature concerns.
City planners and developers are being urged to factor in the heat output of data centers when designing new facilities. Suggestions include utilizing greenbelts, woodlands, or parks to buffer the effects of heat generation between data centers and residential areas.
The study comes amid growing resident protests against planned data centers, driven by concerns related to heat output and its implications for local environments and health.
