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Engineering's Jonathan Steirer discusses AI data centers and sustainability

Media | February 18, 2026 | Story by: Editorial Staff

ideastream: Jonathan Steirer, interim director of the Great Lakes Energy Institute, said data centers aren’t new—but AI “hyperscalers” are, consuming as much electricity as a small city. He warned grid limitations could drive centers toward natural gas pipelines and raise concerns about grid stability, costs and energy-hungry cooling needs.