A data centre occupies more than its building footprint. It may require new substations, power lines, water connections, roads, stormwater systems or gas infrastructure. Some campuses use existing industrial land and utility capacity; others need substantial new work outside the property boundary.
The construction footprint can extend well beyond the property line. Construction traffic, new utility corridors and drainage changes can affect nearby homes and businesses. But claims about displaced residents or acquired neighborhoods require land and planning records. Project renderings and rumors are not evidence.
The meaningful questions are what supporting infrastructure is required, how much it costs, who funds and maintains it, and what authorities approved it. We should distinguish the actual building parcel from the wider footprint of necessary utility work.
These explainers separate announced plans, recorded outcomes and unresolved questions. Find individual facility sources and submit corrections in the Observatory.
General background: IEA, Energy and AI. For site-specific claims, consult each facility's source records.