Letter to the editor: Data center concerns, opportunities

Your emphasis on the concern of the effect of data centers’ demand on the public’s power grid is impressive, and I am glad to see the industry is considering that in their plans.

You have reported on an important new “industry” that is popping up all over our country, specifically here in Western Pennsylvania (“As data centers spread, their leaders push for transparency, consistency in state regulations,” April 25, TribLive). Your emphasis on the concern of the effect of data centers’ demand on the public’s power grid is impressive and I am glad to see the industry is considering that in their plans.

However, it had been my understanding that, at least in the case of TECfusion (at the former Alcoa Research Center), they would provide their own in-house power generation. Their power source is reported to be natural gas. This responsible design does several good things: It provides reliable power for the data center, it does not overwhelm the power grid that the public relies on and it actually may provide excess power which it can export to the local power grid.

Please continue to update us on this new technology and maybe even delve into the technical employment opportunities that are opening up as a result. We have many bright young people in the Pittsburgh/New Kensington area who may be interested.

Gary Pallone

New Kensington