A controversial land deal in Newberry is moving forward, could pave way for data center

Newberry County, South Carolina, is progressing with a controversial land deal in its Commerce Park that could facilitate the development of a data center. An ordinance allowing the county to enter into an agreement with an unnamed developer has passed two readings and a public hearing, with one final vote remaining. This agreement grants the developer time to study the land's suitability, particularly focusing on the electric grid's capacity to handle the significant power demands of a data center. County economic development director Rick Farmer emphasized that no data center project is finalized, and the current phase is solely for feasibility studies. He noted that legal control of the property is necessary for the company to conduct the required electrical study. Data centers have generated controversy in other communities due to their high energy consumption and water usage. Newberry County leaders acknowledge resident concerns and are planning a public information session with a panel of neutral data center experts to address misinformation and legitimate criticisms. Adel Nassiri, an electrical engineering professor at the University of South Carolina, highlighted that data centers can consume massive amounts of power, with one potentially requiring 600 megawatts—more than the entire city of Columbia. He also pointed out that modern data centers are evolving with closed-loop cooling systems, significantly reducing water consumption. Farmer assured residents that if the electrical grid proves insufficient or the developer fails to build, the county will regain the property.