Big news in the tech world! Amazon announced a $20 billion investment to build two cutting-edge data center complexes in Pennsylvania. One will be constructed next to northeastern Pennsylvania's Susquehanna nuclear power plant, where it plans to tap directly into power (even as this arrangement faces federal scrutiny ⚡), while the other is set up at the Keystone Trade Center in Fairless Hills—transforming an old U.S. Steel mill into a modern cloud hub.
Although critics point out that data centers might not bring many long-term jobs, these projects are expected to kickstart a wave of construction jobs, boost local vendors, and generate strong tax revenues for local communities. Pennsylvania may also provide tens of millions in incentives, including sales tax exemptions for essential equipment like servers and routers.
Kevin Miller, vice president of global data centers at Amazon Web Services, shared that this investment is part of a broader plan. Since early 2024, about $10 billion has been allocated to similar projects in Mississippi, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina, all fueling the rapidly growing demand for cloud computing and AI-powered services.
For tech-savvy readers and future professionals across South and Southeast Asia, this move offers a fascinating glimpse into the infrastructure powering today’s digital and AI innovations. Each new data center is not just about technology—it’s a stepping stone into a more connected, high-tech future. 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
