Powering the future: Researchers tackle the data center challenge | Virginia Tech News

What are the biggest misconceptions about data centers?

People often discuss the environmental impacts associated with data centers, but they often don’t talk about the large amounts of electric power they need. Most assume that power will always be there, but that takes a lot of generation and transmission infrastructure and many engineers. It’s the curse of a reliable system — it becomes invisible.

One of the most common misconceptions is the assumption that the existing power system can easily accommodate new and expanding data centers. While data centers have become vital for cloud computing, AI, and digital communication, their energy footprint is immense and continues to grow.

How does public perception influence data center construction? 

Public perception plays a powerful role in shaping how data centers are built and managed. Many Virginians see the visible effects of large facilities, from changes in landscape, to local traffic, to construction, to worry about rising electricity costs or water consumption. Those perceptions are not unfounded, but they need to be considered alongside the factual impact that data centers bring to the commonwealth.

Each facility typically employs around 50 people, and those positions tend to be high-paying technical and maintenance roles, supported by hundreds of additional jobs during construction and through related service contracts. Counties that host data centers often see substantial boosts in local tax revenue, which can fund schools, infrastructure, and public services.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the next big opportunities for innovation?

Our research team is developing better tools to coordinate data centers with the grid. These optimization models can improve reliability and planning. They could also apply to renewables and other large-scale energy systems. And we’re keeping a close eye on new technologies like small modular reactors and next-generation batteries. We need a real breakthrough in both to make them mainstream.

The future of data centers and the power systems that sustain them depends on multifaceted innovation, where engineering, policy, and economics intersect. Our work is about creating tools and partnerships that help make those decisions intelligently. That’s how we ensure that the grid, and the technology it supports, remain strong for decades to come.