(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) – Data centres in 2026 will use enough energy collectively to power the state of Ohio, yet the extent of their impact remains unknown.
The 182,000 square foot Novva Data Centre will be active in Bayview before the end of Summer 2026
Preliminary research indicates that the health impacts of data centres are a concern.
Fossil-fueled power plants and diesel backup generators that power data centres emit hazardous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter.
Preliminary research suggests that these pollutants increase rates of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions, and elevate cancer risk in nearby communities.
Digital Reality Data Centre - 200 Paul Avenue, Bayview
The clustering of Data Centres around Bayview means that these environmental impacts disproportionately affect Black, Latine and Asian-American Pacific Islander populations.
This is not just a local Bay Area issue. Data centres are geographically distributed in ways that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities across America.
One San Francisco resident at a Board of Supervisors meeting on June 2, 2026, called attention to these issues.
“Data centres consume 5 million gallons of water a day, which is enough to provide for 50,000 people in a town,” she said, mentioning the massive environmental impact of these hubs.
“Heat exposure, forever chemicals, noise pollution, water purity. All of these affect people’s health - respiratory, heart diseases, reproductive, endocrine, sleep disturbances, and so much more.”
Speaker at June 2, 2026, SF BOS meeting.
“I would like for a budget to be set aside for the research and possibly disclosure of proposed data centres,” the speaker said.
While there is no way to know the extent of the impact data centres can have, it seems evident that more research may be necessary before their growth skyrockets exponentially.
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