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💡Massachusetts Mandates Clean Power for Large Data Centers

Massachusetts Hits Data Centers With Clean Power Rules

TL;DR

Massachusetts now requires data centers over 25 megawatts to use clean power or pay into a fund. This is part of a broader trend against data center expansion.

Massachusetts has mandated that data centers larger than 25 megawatts must use clean power or contribute to a ratepayer protection fund. This move is part of a growing trend where states are tightening regulations on data center development. The mandate applies to data centers exceeding 25 megawatts of peak demand, requiring them to meet the state's clean energy standard, which includes a portion of power from approved sources like wind, solar, and hydro. The tech industry is starting to push back against this shift in public sentiment, with a pro-AI super PAC buying ads in battleground states ahead of midterm elections. This is a significant change for data center operators, especially those planning expansions in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Mandates Clean Power for Large Data Centers — TechCrunch

Key Points

1

Massachusetts requires data centers over 25 megawatts to use clean power or pay into a ratepayer protection fund.

2

Data centers must meet the state's clean energy standard, with at least 40% of power from approved sources by 2030.

3

The mandate applies to data centers exceeding 25 megawatts of peak demand.

4

Texas requires new data centers to submit to audits by ERCOT, while New York halted construction of new data centers over 50 megawatts.

5

Public sentiment is shifting against data centers, leading to stricter regulations and industry pushback.

Why It Matters

If you're planning to build a data center in Massachusetts, you now face stricter clean power requirements. The mandate applies to data centers over 25 megawatts, requiring them to either generate clean power or pay into a ratepayer protection fund. This impacts not just the environmental aspect but also the financial planning for data center projects.

data centersclean powerregulationsMassachusettstech industry

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