Enid developers promise local control over massive data center project. Not everyone is convinced
Plainsman Holdings is proposing Project Thunderbird, a massive, locally-owned data center spanning 1700 acres in Enid, Oklahoma, which would also provide backup power to Vance Air Force Base. Developers claim it will bring millions in revenue and hundreds of jobs, but some residents remain unconvinced. The project still requires rezoning approval before it can proceed.
Plainsman Holdings, a partnership founded by Enid natives, is proposing Project Thunderbird, a massive data center development in Enid, Oklahoma. The project is planned to span nearly 1700 acres across four different sites and will include its own power infrastructure. Developers emphasize the project's local ownership, stating that this allows them to work closely with the community and ensure city control over the partnership.
The data center is projected to generate tens of millions of dollars annually for Enid and create hundreds of jobs. Furthermore, the developers claim it would serve as a crucial backup power plant for Vance Air Force Base, addressing a military mandate for backup power by 2030, a need highlighted by recent tornado-related power outages.
However, not all residents are convinced by the developers' promises of local control and economic benefits, raising general concerns about data centers themselves. Before Project Thunderbird can proceed, it faces several hurdles, including securing approval for rezoning and navigating the planning commission process.