COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Data centers are flocking to Ohio, with over 175 verifiable locations mapped below.
Data centers, or large facilities that store computing equipment, have been a central focus for Ohioans as dozens of new projects emerge around neighborhoods, farms and cities. Every Google search, show streamed or ChatGPT query relies on a data center to operate. However, many Ohioans are frustrated by data centers’ locations, resource use and alleged health effects. See previous coverage of data centers in the video player above.
NBC4 compiled a resource detailing all 186 verifiable data center projects in Ohio. Although estimates for the number of data centers in Ohio typically fall around 200, the resources cited for that number include repeats — counting one data center that is affiliated with multiple companies as multiple data centers — or unverified projects.
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NBC4 included projects that are verified by the company itself or by multiple reports, as sometimes projects are detailed in public records but not publicized by data center operators. Mapping data centers is also difficult because many companies do not identify their facilities on maps or on their websites…