data centers

The 1.8 million square foot "hyperscale" data center would be the largest development in Wyandotte County's history. But residents and an environmental group voiced concerns about government transparency, location and environmental costs.

Tech companies have been building more data centers around Kansas City, spurred by the increased need for artificial intelligence. But residents are worried about the environmental impact, higher utility bills, and the long-term consequences for communities.

U.S. Sen Josh Hawley's skepticism of data centers puts him at odds with some prominent Missouri Republicans, including Gov. Mike Kehoe.

More than 40,000 workers in Kansas City work in the 10 largest occupations most susceptible to AI automation — especially customer service and white-collar jobs.

The Missouri Public Service Commission held a hearing to get feedback on Ameren Missouri's plans to build a new natural gas plant in Jefferson County. Community members opposed the plant, saying it would harm the environment and cost too much.

As officials in Missouri try to attract data center proposals from companies, pushback grows in communities where the projects are planned. One expert says the economic benefit isn't crystal clear — especially if local governments give them tax breaks.

Companies are racing to roll out nuclear reactor designs that would be faster to build and could meet rising demand for energy from AI data centers. Two nuclear companies have proposals for new reactors in Kansas. Plus: Data centers are fundamentally changing the landscape for electric utilities in Missouri and beyond.

Staff at Missouri's Public Service Commission said that regulators should reject a new proposal from Ameren, which they say would raise rates on customers while enriching Ameren shareholders.

The new solar field in mid-Missouri would be built next to the Callaway nuclear plant. Ameren has requested approval for the project from Missouri's Public Service Commission.

St. Charles officials signed nondisclosure agreements as they considered a proposed data center project in their city. The agreements were with a company with links to Google. Protests from residents stopped the deal, however.

Large data centers are coming to Missouri, and they need a lot of power. Right now, there aren't regulations governing how they will use energy, so Evergy and Ameren is working to develop new rules.

Leaders say the LEED Gold-certified data center bolsters Kansas City's reputation as a tech hub. Operated by the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, the facility also expects to support more than 100 permanent jobs.