Designing Sustainable Energy Futures: Latest Research Insights on AI Data Centers & Integrated Food-Energy Systems

From AI data centers to integrated food-energy systems, researchers from the Spandagos Lab of Energy and Environmental Policy at the University of New Hampshire discuss how emerging technologies are influencing electricity demand, affordability, land use, and community energy futures. Integrated food-energy systems, for instance, combine solar generation with agricultural activity to pursue multiple benefits from the same land. In parallel, the substantial growth of AI data centers raises new questions about electricity demand, water consumption, land-use change, and the implications for surrounding communities. Although these technologies differ considerably, both highlight the importance of understanding how new infrastructure interacts with local resources, economic conditions, and community priorities. In this Climate Week NYC webinar, Spandagos Lab members will present their latest findings from projects examining these two areas in the United States. The session will identify key opportunities, tradeoffs, and policy considerations associated with their continued development.