No data centers planned for Knox, but leaders don’t automatically dismiss possible benefits for economic growth

Due to recent influx of data centers being built around the state it brings about the question of whether data centers could be built around or in Knox County.

The centers themselves feature the infrastructure that helps train Artificial Intelligence models and services. The centers house a large amount of computer systems which can use around 5 million gallons of water per day for large centers and around 300,000 gallons a day for medium sized centers to cool the machinery according to an Environmental and Energy Study Institute article titled “Data Centers and Water Consumption.”

Judge Executive of Knox County Mike Mitchell stated that he would not automatically shut down the possibility of a data center within Knox County. He sees that the centers could be of benefit to the area. He recognizes the difference between data centers and crypto mining centers and that data centers would be of more benefit comparatively.

Representative Tom O’Dell Smith is not firmly against data centers being built within his representative region. He is in the process of researching the effects of data centers on the communities where they are built.

Smith has looked at the noise pollution complaints that some citizens in areas with data centers have had. He proposed that if a data center were to be built in his representative region he would support it being built away from residential areas.

Smith also has looked into the effects of the centers on the electricity grid. He would not be in support of welcoming a center that could increase electricity prices for citizens.

Smith recognizes that the centers could create new jobs for the area and that it would include the region in the progression of technology.

Smith stated that there are no current inquiries from business trying to bring data centers to the area but he would be open to hearing what the companies could bring to the community.

“It's up to the people on once we have something to look at, an opportunity to have them be able to say, well, that'd be great for us or we don't want that in our area. If people don't want it in the area, then I don't want it. I represent them,” said Smith. “But I don't want to pass up an opportunity that benefits us and them not be knowledgeable about it to have an input.”