data centers eye north pole

The U.S. Air Force is offering land around Eielson Air Force Base near North Pole, Alaska, for private companies to build large AI data centers. Five possible sites are under consideration, and companies have until the end of June to submit lease offers.

Some of the proposed parcels sit directly against existing neighborhoods and private homes, and one site is within walking distance of North Pole Middle School, raising concerns among residents in North Pole, Salcha and the broader Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Data centers run continuously, housing thousands of computers that generate constant noise and require large amounts of water, a concern in an area that already sits on a high water table. Residents have also questioned the use of backup generators in a region that already experiences some of the worst winter air quality in the country.

Several of the sites would connect to the Golden Valley Electric Association grid, prompting questions about whether the added demand could affect power costs for existing customers. Companies selected to build on the land would be responsible for securing their own power and water at their own cost. No leases have been awarded as of publication.