COLUMBUS, Ohio — The push against data centers has been well-documented.
One independent tracker counts nearly 150 data center moratoriums in place all across the state.
Opponents are concerned about a wide variety of issues, including the impact the centers have on the environment and their utility bills.
At the same time, supporters point to the fact that those data centers are bringing billions of dollars in investment and new opportunities for construction workers.
As data centers continue to expand across Ohio, so does the demand for the workers needed to build them.
“We’ve got in-house architecture and engineering, licensed and stamped in all 50 states,” said Will Goodin, vice president of project development for Terrapin Construction Group.
Terrapin Construction Group designs data centers across the country with four separate projects currently in Ohio.
“And that’s inclusive of mechanical, electrical, plumbing as well as engineering, civil, so site work and structural work as well,” Goodin said.
He said the growing number of data center projects is creating more business for his company, making over $100 million from design, construction and procurement of HVAC equipment this year, and they’re on track to triple that next year.
“We’ve seen a huge uptick in not only design but also a lot of pre-construction, a lot of construction specifically in the data center asset class,” Goodin said.
And it’s not just the construction crews.
Goodin said demand for the specialized equipment needed to build these facilities is also high, with some supplies taking months to arrive.
“There’s huge lead times depending on the types of equipment that you’re looking to source for your project. Anywhere from 18- to 50-plus weeks for any number of transfer switches, switch gears, chillers, things of that nature,” Goodin said.
That demand creates opportunities for a wide range of skilled trades, including electricians, mechanical contractors, framers and carpenters.
Goodin said the steady pipeline of projects is providing job security for his company and the subcontractors it relies on.
But he recognizes the industry is not without controversy.
“Depending on who you ask, it’s kind of a loaded, complicated issue but we’re very excited to be a resource for folks who are looking to get into this business and are expanding their current operations,” Goodin said.
Across Ohio, communities are pushing back against data center development.
As more communities consider putting development on pause, the question becomes: How many jobs do these facilities actually create once construction is over?
Case Western Reserve University Economics Professor Jonathan Ernest said the initial construction phase can provide a significant employment boost.
But he said once it’s built, that changes.
“There are fewer people onsite for the longterm with lots of jobs in an area. So we’re not likely to get entire cities that are built around the one plant that everyone works at we’re not likely to get that with data centers because they don’t need that many capacity of people on site for the long run,” said Ernest.
So, while the construction boom is creating opportunities for Ohio’s skilled trades, Ernest said communities should take a closer look at what those projects will mean for the local workforce once the facilities are up and running.
According to the U.S. Data Center Map, there are 26 data centers currently being constructed, with another 54 in the planning phase.
