Project Thunderbird proposes 1,700-acre data center in Enid
Project Thunderbird is proposing a 1,700-acre data center in Enid, Oklahoma, aiming to operate with a closed-loop cooling system and generate its own power to minimize environmental impact. The City of Enid has already implemented ordinances with specific guidelines for such intensive use facilities, and the proposal will go through several approval steps, including votes by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and City Council. Developers, who are locals, are emphasizing community benefits and mitigation measures for residents.
Project Thunderbird has proposed a 1,700-acre data center development in Enid, Oklahoma, which developers claim will operate differently from older, bitcoin-mining focused facilities. Jason Singer, a principal for Project Thunderbird, stated that the new data center would generate its own power and utilize a closed-loop cooling system, significantly reducing water and electricity demands compared to traditional data centers.
The City of Enid has already adopted ordinances in August, establishing strict guidelines for intensive use facilities like data centers, according to Marcie Mack, executive director of the Enid Regional Development Alliance. These ordinances include specific requirements for applications to move forward. Singer also mentioned additional mitigation efforts, such as a surcharge on water usage to fund watershed improvements and an option for nearby residents to sell their homes at above appraised value within three years of construction completion.
Singer, an Enid native, emphasized that Project Thunderbird is a local initiative driven by community members, not an external corporation like Google. He highlighted the project's potential to create 600 jobs and provide backup power to Vance Air Base. The proposal is currently in the initial stages and requires approval from the City of Enid, followed by votes from the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and the City Council.