Data centers are a vital component of digital infrastructure, one that is expected to grow at a fast rate and require more land, power and interconnections. The United States doesn’t have enough data centers to support the coming demand, particularly the demand driven by artificial intelligence. So how can that demand be met securely and sustainably, in a way that maintains U.S. global technology leadership?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is seeking input on data center-related issues with an eye towards policy recommendations. In recent remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Alan Davidson, assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, announced the request for public comment and noted that consumers rely on data centers for everything from “search engines to mapping software to food delivery services,” and that they are critical for businesses’ operation as well.
“Because of this central role, data centers are a key area for attention to maintain U.S. competitiveness, leadership and national security,” Davidson said. He added that U.S. data centers consumed more than 4% of the country’s total electricity in 2022, and that artificial intelligence is changing the data center landscape.
“Right now, we know we do not have enough data centers in the U.S. to power the coming AI revolution,” Davidson said, calling data centers “the backbone of a secure and resilient digital economy. The are critical to U.S. competition, leadership and security.” He added that: “There are more than 5,000 data centers in the United States, but demand is projected to grow by 9% annually through 2030. That is a very high rate of growth. And right now, we face tremendous challenges in meeting that demand.”
In the face of that demand, NTIA is seeking comment on how federal policy should handle data center-related issues, including not only energy use but supply chain issues and trusted equipment; cybersecurity issues to protect information within data centers; land use issues; and how to grow a specialized workforce to support the data center industry. NTIA wants to help support a “sustainable, resilient and secure data center” industry, Davidson said.
He concluded his remarks by saying, “We have a big challenge ahead of us and the stakes are high,” but that “we can chart a path forward to meet that demand in a sustainable way, and realize the full potential of the AI revolution to the benefit of all.”
Comments are due by November 4. NTIA will rely on the comments as part of a report assembling policy considerations and recommendations.
