Artificial Impact (AI): How the Rapid Development of Hyperscale Data Centers Impacts Michigan Communities - Earth Day 2026 Event

Doug Bessette, an Associate Professor for Energy Systems in the Department of Community Sustainability, discusses the current and potential impacts of continued investment in and development of hyperscale data centers in Michigan. Building on nearly a decade of research at MSU examining the impacts of other large-scale energy infrastructure in Michigan, particularly wind and solar farms, Doug shares how the current policy environment encourages data-center development, how recent data-center proposals in central and southeastern Michigan have ignited controversy, and the potential environmental, energy and social impacts of both data centers and continued investment in and adoption of artificial intelligence.