True, but if data centers were exclusively built along places like the Columbia River, as an example, that energy, even excess energy, is practically free once

True, but if data centers were exclusively built along places like the Columbia River, as an example, that energy, even excess energy, is practically free once you have the hydro-electric plant. I guess the same is true for solar, wind — any power generated that does not require consumables. Rivers gotta run, suns gotta shine, winds gotta blow.