Effingham County manager details OpenAI data center process
Effingham County Manager Tim Callanan provided details on OpenAI's proposed $20 billion data center project, addressing community concerns following its announcement. The project, planned for the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub near Rincon, already has suitable zoning and is expected to break ground by the end of the year. Callanan discussed efforts to mitigate impacts on electricity rates, water usage, and noise levels.
Effingham County Manager Tim Callanan discussed the recently announced $20 billion OpenAI data center project slated for the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub near Rincon, Georgia. The project, which is expected to begin construction by the end of the year and be operational by 2028, generated public interest, including protests during an open house hosted by OpenAI.
Callanan detailed the county's engagement process, explaining that OpenAI directly approached the Industrial Development Authority in January. County officials, including Callanan and members of the Effingham Board of Commissioners, visited an existing OpenAI data center in Abilene, Texas, to assess potential impacts. During this visit, they noted surprisingly low noise levels and observed the closed-loop cooling system, which will also be used in the Georgia facility. Key takeaways from the Texas visit helped shape the local project plan, with negative aspects like onsite power generation and groundwater usage already excluded from the Effingham County proposal.
The manager clarified that no public hearing for rezoning was required as the industrial hub has been zoned for such uses since 2005. He emphasized that the county is treating this project similarly to other industrial developments and highlighted existing Georgia Public Service Commission protections designed to prevent residential ratepayers from subsidizing large users. Callanan also addressed water consumption, noting the county's ample surface water supply and OpenAI's commitment to minimal usage, primarily for human needs and closed-loop cooling, which will be scheduled to reduce strain during peak times.
Callanan underscored the potential economic benefits and tax revenue for Effingham County, which he believes could alleviate infrastructure pressures and improve the quality of life for residents. He urged the public to research the specific facts of this proposal rather than relying on general "horror stories" about data centers. An application for development of regional impact has been submitted, and the county's remaining approval involves reviewing the site plan for compliance with existing zoning and buffer requirements. The next Effingham County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for August 4th.