Project Gravity to use 430MW of batteries for data centers
Project Gravity has submitted plans for a seven-building data center campus in Archbald supported by 430 megawatts of battery storage. Nearby residents, Lackawanna County officials and Stop Archbald Data Centers oppose the project because of its proximity to homes and concerns about battery fires, while the developer says the system will reduce diesel emissions and noise.
US Gravity Purchaser LLC, a partnership between Corscale Data Centers and Affinius Capital, has submitted final land development plans for seven data centers on 181 acres in Archbald. The campus would include 430 megawatts of battery energy storage, a 525-megawatt substation, generators and related stormwater infrastructure, with some buildings located less than 300 feet from residential properties.
The developer says the batteries are needed to meet grid reliability requirements and will produce less noise and air pollution than diesel-heavy backup systems. Residents, Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan and Stop Archbald Data Centers attorney Justin Richards have raised concerns about fire safety, emergency response and the project's impact on nearby neighborhoods. Project Gravity representatives are scheduled to discuss the plans with the Archbald Planning Commission, while Valley View School District is challenging the project's reliance on legacy zoning in county court.