2026-04-13
What determines where data centers can be built?
Data Center Site Selection Constraints
Short Answer
Data center deployment depends on multiple overlapping constraints including electricity, permitting, cooling, and connectivity.
Key Data
| Constraint | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Foundational | Required for all operations |
| Permitting | Time risk | Delays deployment timelines |
| Cooling | Environmental | Limits location viability |
| Connectivity | Latency | Critical for performance |
Notes
No single variable determines viability. Real-world deployment depends on the interaction of multiple constraints across geography and infrastructure systems.
Source: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3845-3.html
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