Deep Green withdraws Lansing data center: what this means for future development

Deep Green, a UK-based company, has withdrawn its plans for a $120 million, 25,000 square-foot data center in downtown Lansing, Michigan. The withdrawal occurred just hours before the Lansing City Council was scheduled to vote on the controversial development, which included a request to buy city-owned lots and rezone the property near Cedar and Kalamazoo streets. Lansing City Council Member Ryan Kost indicated that Deep Green's decision stemmed from the likely realization that the project lacked sufficient votes for approval, leading the company to avoid a public defeat. Despite this, Deep Green affirmed its ongoing commitment to responsible development and plans to work with local partners in Michigan on a "first of its kind" data center that would repurpose waste heat for community benefit. The Lansing Board of Water and Light had previously advocated for the project, citing long-term benefits such as reduced emissions via its hot water system and annual financial support for power benefits. However, Kost challenged the assertion that the project's cancellation would impede future growth for the city. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor had earlier expressed concerns that without this project, Lansing stood to lose approximately a million dollars annually in funding for various services, including housing. The focus now shifts to how Lansing will move forward with economic development, with emphasis placed on engaging the community in future plans.