Opinion: Data Centers Going Off-Grid Doesn't Make Them Good Neighbors
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- As in, behind the meter. That phrase refers to onsite power generation that can offer backup for data centers or, at the extreme, let them bypass the electricity grid completely.
The latter seems increasingly attractive because of yearslong wait times for a grid hookup, now compounded by growing general opposition to data centers. When Governor Greg Abbott of Texas unexpectedly paused grid connections for data centers in the state earlier this month, shares of traditional power plant operators took a hit, but stocks bounced for companies that make the engines and turbines for generating power separately. As if to punctuate this, it emerged that Amazon.com Inc. has begun work on a giant data-center campus in West Texas hosting up to 7.65 gigawatts of gas-fueled power, more than the entire generating capacity of some states.