Zoning hurdle cleared for proposed Arizona data center hub with up to 59 buildings

A significant data center development, the La Osa Energy Center, proposed by Arizona landowner Vermaland LLC, is progressing after receiving a favorable recommendation from Pinal County's Planning and Zoning Committee. The committee voted 7-2 on April 16 to recommend approval for the rezoning of over 3,300 acres of vacant desert land in Pinal County, near the city of Eloy and about an hour south of Phoenix. The ambitious project envisions the construction of up to 59 data center buildings, complemented by two gas-fired power plants and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This integrated energy solution aims to provide power-generating capabilities for the entire hub, addressing the substantial energy demands typically associated with such facilities. The positive committee vote marks a crucial step forward for the development, which is located off Picacho Highway.