Overview
Resources at Risk
Wisconsin is becoming a hotspot for hyperscale data centers. These massive server campuses are the physical footprint of artificial intelligence (AI). Drawn to Wisconsin for our open land and abundant freshwater, tech companies are working with the state’s energy utilities to push new, massive data centers at an alarming rate. And the harms to Wisconsin’s resources could be profound.
1.1 Million
Wisconsin homes could be powered for the same amount of electricity consumed by a single, 1-gigawatt AI data center
70%
Of all water withdrawals in Wisconsin are for power generation
1,200
Megawatts of dirty fossil fuel power is already being built in southeastern Wisconsin to meet increased energy demand driven by one data center project.
54 Million
Gallons of water a day could be used by powerplants serving just two approved AI data center projects—more water than every home, business and manufacturer in the City of Green Bay.
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Action Alerts
Stop unchecked data center development
If data centers come to Wisconsin, they must benefit—not harm—our communities. But right now, we have far more questions than answers about their impacts.
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Action Alerts
Resources
Stay Informed With the Latest News & Insights
Follow updates, read expert commentary, and learn the latest about AI data centers in Wisconsin.
Expert Insights
Into thin air
As AI data centers are built in Wisconsin, water withdrawals will rise from increased power generation and greater demand on municipal public water supplies.
Read MoreExpert Insights
Press Releases
PSC requires Alliant Energy to use tariffs for future data centers
All future hyperscale data centers in Alliant Energy’s service territory must be served through a standardized tariff, rather than individual contracts.
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Podcasts
The Truth About AI Data Centers and Our Water
In this episode, Amy talks with a researcher who took a deep dive into the water impacts of Wisconsin’s AI data centers.
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In-Depth Research
Science that Drives Change
Dive into our Science & Analysis pieces for a deeper look at the research behind the headlines. Explore data, methodology, and real-world impacts that reveal why strong policies matter—and how science drives healthier outcomes for every Wisconsinite.
Offsite Water Use of Data Centers
Data centers require a lot of energy. If they use non-renewable sources, their indirect water use could rival that of entire Wisconsin cities.
Wisconsin AI Data Center Power Needs Analysis and Comparison
1 gigawatt (GW) of data center demand equals the power needs of more than a million Wisconsin homes.
