EN: Hillwood and PowerHouse plan to build 24 data centers in Joliet (USA) on an area of 324 hectares (approximately 800 acres).
Joliet Community Concerns:
- Threat to Resources: Residents fear the drying up of local groundwater by 2030 and an increase in electricity bills by $70–100 per month due to the center's massive demand for energy. Municipal water will be used for cooling servers while residents are being asked to conserve the water.
- Job Market: Although construction will generate thousands of temporary jobs, only 200–300 people will find permanent employment. Critics warn that AI technology will ultimately automate warehouse work, destroying the local labor market. The investor is also reportedly using out-of-state crews instead of local union workers.
- Lack of Transparency and Communication Criticism: Investors are accused of spreading "propaganda" on their website "Yes To Joliet Jobs". The developer does not disclose the identities of clients (such as Google or Microsoft) and avoids answering questions regarding social costs. City authorities released over 1,000 redacted (completely black) pages of documentation in response to freedom of information requests.
- Ethical Issues: Allegations have been raised regarding a conflict of interest between a city official and the Burnhart trust, which stands to earn millions from the land sale.