Data centers can bring opportunities and revenue to South Carolina — if we let them

By Ernest Andrade
Founder and Executive Director
Charleston Digital

Proposed data center developments are appearing on legislative agendas across the country, including South Carolina. The push by the tech industry to develop sustainable infrastructure to power the digital economy is increasingly being met with pushback and concern.

South Carolina has already benefited from data centers through multi-billion-dollar capital investments. With more than 10,000% growth in the high-wage tech industry in the Charleston region since 2001 — when Charleston Digital was launched — the state is positioning itself as a major player in the tech sector. Google’s investment in Berkeley County in 2007 helped catalyze this growth and has since made the company the county’s largest taxpayer.

Much of the concern surrounding data center development is driven by misinformation, particularly around water usage and impact on electric utilities. Contrary to common perception, Google uses the region’s surface water sources, which do not require the same level of groundwater replenishment. In fact, the volume of surface water used is less than what is naturally lost to evaporation. Dorchester Water officials have stated that the company’s investment is helping increase system capacity and expand opportunities for new connections — a direct benefit to the community.

In March 2026, tech companies across the country signed the White House’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, agreeing to build, bring or buy their own power supply and to pay for any infrastructure upgrades needed to support their operations. The pledge is designed to protect ratepayers from increased utility costs associated with these projects. Google has already been following similar practices in South Carolina for years.

Another often-overlooked impact is the role these projects play in rural economic development. Data centers bring substantial capital investment and generate tax revenue in areas that need it most. A single development can provide additional funding for schools, infrastructure and municipal services. For example, Dorchester County School District 2 is facing a $6.6 million budget shortfall, and new data center development is expected to generate significant tax revenue, a portion of which could help address that gap.

Beyond tax revenue, the broader economic impact of data centers is significant. In 2001, Charleston had just 18 tech companies. Today, there are more than 1,900 tech businesses in the region, many of which rely on data center infrastructure. These companies provide high-wage jobs and support economic activity across industries including hospitality, construction and logistics.

The presence of global tech companies such as Google also makes South Carolina more attractive to entrepreneurs, businesses and skilled professionals. This, in turn, accelerates the region’s innovation economy and creates opportunities for workforce development. The Charleston Learning Center, located on the Charleston Tech Center campus, exemplifies this impact by offering practical training, mentorship and hands-on experience with modern technology tools — helping to turn interest into careers and ensuring the future tech workforce is developed locally.

South Carolina is well-positioned to become a hub for technological advancement — if it embraces these opportunities. Data centers have already demonstrated their ability to deliver investment, support infrastructure and help build a strong economic future for communities across the state.

Ernest Andrade is the founder and executive director of Charleston Digital, a public-private business development partnership that attracts, nurtures and promotes tech companies in Charleston.