NorthWestern Energy CEO Warns Data Centers Will Increase Fossil Fuel Reliance in South Dakota
NorthWestern Energy's CEO Brian Bird stated that the growth of data centers will prolong the use of fossil fuel power plants in South Dakota. He indicated that meeting the power demands of these centers, which consume significant electricity, will likely rely on coal and natural gas. Bird emphasized the state's need for a sales tax exemption to attract data center developers and discussed pending legislation for utilities to manage wildfire liabilities, reflecting the urgent need for risk management as climate change increases wildfire occurrences.
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Brian Bird, CEO of NorthWestern Energy, stated that the rise of data centers in South Dakota will extend the use of existing fossil fuel power plants, with new plants likely to be built. Data centers currently account for 4.4% of U.S. electricity consumption, a figure projected to triple by 2030.
Bird noted that meeting data center energy demands will primarily come from coal and natural gas, rather than renewable sources. He highlighted the importance of a sales tax exemption for attracting data center investments. Additionally, Bird discussed a proposed bill for utilities to submit wildfire mitigation plans to manage rising risks associated with climate change and wildfires.
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