The Largest Data Center in Illinois Just Got Approved

After a delayed vote for a massive AI data center in Joliet, the Joliet City Council (JCC) reconvened three days later and voted the project through.

These data centers are large facilities that house computer systems for telecommunications and storage. The AI Boom has led to the rapid growth of the industry, and is leading to a strain on electric grids and rising electricity costs for residents. In short, locals bear the brunt of the social and economic impacts, like water and energy use, while those involved receive the profits.

READ MORE: How AI Data Centers are Driving Up Electricity Bills in Illinois

The Joliet Data Center Would be the Largest in the State of Illinois:

JCC passed the AI data center development project on an 8-1 vote, and in its current state, the proposed facility would be about the size of New York City's Central Park. The project is comprised of 24 two-story buildings on 795 acres known as the "Joliet Technology Center" near South Rowell and West Bernhard roads. Per WGN News, the project would unfold in four phases over the next five-to-seven years.

Estimates suggest this project would create 7,000 - 10,000 new construction jobs, 700 permanent jobs, and $2 billion in property tax revenue over a 30-year span.

The project has been met with fierce opposition from the local community.

Why the New Joliet Data Center Project is Causing Outrage:

Monday night's Joliet City Council meeting lasted over seven hours with residents vocally opposing the project. Their primary concern was water and energy consumption by the data center, per WGN News. Developers said they would need an initial intake of 100,000 gallons of water, with up to 150,000 gallons used for cooling on a daily basis. Those are borderline unfathomable volumes of water.

To make matters more concerning, the project would sit on top of an aquifer that is running dry. The City of Joliet is apparently in the middle of building a pipeline to bring in water from Lake Michigan, but that won't be completed until 2030.

This alternative water source will cost $1.44 billion and was intended to provide an alternative, dependable water source for more than 300,000 people. It was not intended to cool the largest data center in Illinois - Ava Grubb, a spokesperson for Illinois State Sen. Rachel Ventura, per WGN News

One of the two developers tasked to complete the project is PowerHouse Data Centers, who will secure and pay for their own energy consumption through ComEd to avoid costs being passed onto consumers. At least that's the plan for now.

Read more about the construction of a massive data center in Joliet, IL on WGN News' website.