US data center backlash clouds outlook for Korean power makers

The Korea Herald · Byun Hye-jin · 2026-11-06 06:43 UTC

Growing voter opposition to data center construction across the US, reflected in the midterm election results, is putting pressure on South Korean power equipme

Growing voter opposition to data center construction across the US, reflected in the midterm election results, is putting pressure on South Korean power equipment makers that have been counting on the region’s AI infrastructure boom.

Of 41 local ballot measures related to data center construction across 10 US states, 28 proposed restrictions ranging from construction bans to temporary moratoriums and stricter regulations, according to Ballotpedia.

Locals have raised concerns over electricity costs, water consumption, noise and emissions from emergency generators. A Gallup survey published in May found that roughly 70 percent of US respondents opposed constructing AI data centers in their communities.

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