Experts weigh benefits and concerns ahead of vote on proposed Project Tango data center

Palm Beach County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the controversial Project Tango data center, an artificial intelligence-focused development that has generated months of debate among local residents. The proposed hyperscale data center faces opposition due to concerns about its location and potential environmental and public health impacts. Two Florida-based experts have offered differing opinions ahead of the vote.

Dr. Mark McNees, a data center expert from Florida State University, highlighted the significant energy and water consumption of large-scale facilities, noting that hyperscale data centers require extensive utility infrastructure which can increase costs for ratepayers. He also questioned the effectiveness of closed-loop cooling systems in fully addressing environmental concerns, citing increased electricity usage.

Conversely, corporate site selection expert John Boyd argued that modern data centers with closed-loop cooling systems use less water than developments like golf courses and hotels, while generating substantially more tax revenue. Boyd emphasized the economic benefits, including significant sales tax contributions from server equipment, which could potentially lead to lower property taxes for the county. He also noted the role of data centers as critical high-tech infrastructure.

A new state law (Senate Bill 484), signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, prevents utility companies like Florida Power & Light from directly passing increased electricity costs to residents. While PBA Holdings project manager Ernie Cox indicated large users pay for both electricity and delivery infrastructure, the final impact on ratepayers remains to be seen after new tariffs are presented on October 1st. Commissioners' vote will focus on the project's land-use application.