Enid Is Taking A Different Approach To Data Centers
Enid, Oklahoma, has unveiled "Project Thunderbird," a proposed data center development spanning 1,735 acres with its own power generation and plans to use raw water from Kaw Lake, separate from the city's treated drinking water. This approach aims to address common concerns about data center electricity and water consumption by building dedicated infrastructure.
The city of Enid, Oklahoma, has proposed a unique approach to data center development with "Project Thunderbird," a sprawling 1,735-acre project across four campuses. This proposal directly addresses common criticisms regarding data center electricity and water consumption by planning for dedicated, behind-the-meter power generation of up to 3.3 gigawatts and using raw water from Kaw Lake instead of the city's treated drinking water supply. The developers aim to establish the necessary infrastructure upfront, contrasting with typical models that place the burden on existing community resources.
The project is still in its proposal phase, with no data center operating partner yet selected. One of the four proposed campuses includes property currently owned by the City of Enid, which the developers are interested in acquiring. This development comes as Oklahoma's Legislature prepares to discuss the broader implications of data centers, including their effects on electricity, water, noise, taxes, and local infrastructure, indicating a statewide interest in how these facilities are integrated into communities.