Ohio data center draws skepticism, alternative utility plans
Construction is underway on a $2.1 billion data center campus by Vantage Data Centers in Millersport, Ohio, sparking resident skepticism over its rapid development and perceived secrecy. Residents are voicing concerns about land acquisition, potential environmental impacts, and the proposed on-site natural gas power plant. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is currently reviewing the energy center and accepting public feedback.
Construction has commenced on a new $2.1 billion data center campus in Millersport, Ohio, developed by Vantage Data Centers. The project, located in Fairfield County, includes four data centers, two security buildings, and an administrative warehouse, with initial construction beginning in May.
However, the rapid progression of the project has generated significant skepticism and concern among local residents, including Zack Gorsuch and Stacey Keller-Clements. Concerns center on the perceived secrecy surrounding the project, the process of land acquisition through entities like Lancaster Newark Road OH 21 LLC and Licking Fairfield Corp, and potential environmental impacts such as air pollution from a proposed on-site natural gas power plant. Keller-Clements, living 1.5 miles from the site, specifically voiced fears about air quality and water contamination to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
Vantage Data Centers is attempting to address some of these concerns by providing community updates and highlighting its use of a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water consumption, estimating 5.5 million gallons per year, comparable to 75 homes. Vantage has also leased land to Advanced Power to develop the Fairfield Energy Center, an independently financed natural gas power plant intended to provide on-site electricity without impacting local utility rates. The PUCO is currently reviewing this energy center and actively soliciting public feedback regarding its approval.