AEP highlights local data center benefits in South Carolina
September 17, 2026
Today, the American Edge Project (AEP), a coalition of nearly two dozen domestic organizations, highlighted the economic and community benefits artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure investment can deliver across South Carolina as the Data Center Revolt Bus Tour brings renewed attention to the debate.
As communities weigh concerns around energy, infrastructure and local impacts, AEP is urging policymakers and residents to consider what responsible development can provide, including skilled-trade jobs, new investment, a stronger local tax base and infrastructure improvements.
“South Carolina communities should ask hard questions and demand clear protections,” said Doug Kelly, CEO of AEP. “But stopping responsible data center development would also mean losing skilled-trade jobs, local contracts, tax revenue and major infrastructure investments. South Carolina can preserve its communities while requiring these projects to deliver real and lasting local benefits.”
Local Benefits of AI Infrastructure and Data Center Investments in South Carolina
Statewide economic impact: South Carolina’s data center industry contributed roughly $7.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2024, including direct, indirect, induced and cross-state spillover effects – a 21 percent increase from $6.5 billion in 2023.
Training for skilled-trade jobs: Google provided a grant to the Electrical Training Alliance (etA) to help integrate AI tools into training, preparing more than 160 apprentices for careers in the state’s growing tech and energy sector. Additionally, Google’s Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) Program works alongside local South Carolina organizations to prepare workers for entry-level careers in construction and skilled trades.
Local community benefits: Investing in the community surrounding their Aiken County data center, Meta partners with local nonprofits on initiatives including the Aiken Land Conservancy’s conservation efforts at Boyd Pond Park, the North Augusta Family YMCA’s build-out of a learning lab and the Aiken Chamber Foundation to support the creation of the Aiken Innovation Corridor.
Environmental stewardship: Quality Technology Services (QTS) Data Centers’ has proposed a data center in York County, which would leverage their innovative closed-loop cooling system to save more than 48 million gallons of water annually. QTS also supports communities by replanting trees and sourcing carbon-free energy.
America’s AI Leadership is Also at Stake
China is aggressively expanding its AI infrastructure. China is targeting a $1.4 trillion AI industry by 2030, including a $295 billion construction plan over five years to build a nationwide network of AI data centers.
China’s energy capacity is accelerating its AI buildout. China generates twice as much electricity as the United States and aims to double its data center capacity by 2030.
Beijing is working to shape global AI standards. China is creating an international AI body headquartered in Shanghai to help shape global AI rules.
The technology gap is narrowing. The performance gap between leading U.S. and Chinese AI models has narrowed to approximately 2.7 percent, while China’s AI models account for 41 percent of downloads, passing U.S. models outright.
Learn more by viewing the South Carolina state fact sheet here(opens in new tab).
BACKGROUND:
The American Edge Project is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of the American Edge Project. AEP’s National Security Advisory Board is comprised of Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend; retired four-star General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., United States Marine Corps (USMC), who served as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) and Former U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board.
Visit AmericanEdgeProject.org(opens in new tab) for more information.
