State, Developers Discuss Future Of Data Centers In West Virginia
State officials and developers discussed the proposed $4 billion Bedington Data Center campus in Berkeley County, West Virginia, highlighting its economic potential and infrastructure advantages. Penzance, the developer, outlined plans to utilize an existing large electrical substation and up to 60% reclaimed wastewater, addressing concerns about power and water consumption. The discussions also emphasized the importance of community engagement and the role of state legislation in attracting technology investments.
State and business leaders, including Buddy Rizer, economic development director for Loudoun County, Virginia, Chris Morris, director of West Virginia's Data Economy Office, and John Kusturiss and Cris White, partners with Penzance, gathered in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The event, hosted by the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce, focused on the future of data centers in West Virginia, specifically the proposed $4 billion Bedington Data Center campus.
Penzance, a Washington, D.C.-based developer, is leading the 548-acre, 1.9 million square foot project in Berkeley County, which will have 600 megawatts of power output. Lauren Kowall of Penzance noted Bedington's proximity to Northern Virginia and its significant infrastructure advantages, including the largest electrical substation in West Virginia. John Kusturiss assured that ample power capacity exists without increasing local costs. The project also plans to use up to 60% reclaimed wastewater from a nearby treatment plant, constructing a dedicated facility and on-site storage. While a tenant has not been announced, interest is strong, with projections estimating $94 million in annual tax revenue.
Morris highlighted West Virginia's power-generating capabilities and the role of House Bill 2014, the Power Generation and Consumption Act, in creating a pathway for such projects through a certified microgrid program. He emphasized that projects still require permits from agencies like the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Morris also acknowledged the need for stronger communication with local residents. Rizer shared Loudoun County's experience, where data centers account for 45% of tax revenue, demonstrating significant financial benefits without increasing electricity bills or heavily impacting water usage. Transparency and early community engagement were recurring themes, with Penzance committing to stakeholder meetings as the project progresses.