Hildebran updates zoning rules as AI data center proposal moves forward

The Hildebran Town Council in North Carolina has passed a zoning ordinance change to allow for large data centers, in anticipation of a proposed 200-megawatt AI data center project by DigiPower X. The project is still in early stages, but could bring significant economic benefits to the town and county if developed. The new ordinance replaces terminology around 'cryptocurrency mining' with 'critical infrastructure facilities', ensuring data centers must follow the same zoning rules and safeguards as other large computing facilities.