Hildebran updates zoning rules as AI data center proposal moves forward

The Hildebran Town Council in North Carolina has passed a change to its zoning ordinances that paves the way for a proposed 200-megawatt artificial intelligence data center project by DigiPower X. The ordinance change replaces the term 'Cryptocurrency Mining' with 'Critical Infrastructure Facilities', ensuring that large computing facilities like data centers must follow the same zoning rules and safeguards already in place. This includes requirements around noise limits, setbacks, buffers, site plans, and conditional zoning approval. The move follows a comprehensive review by Hildebran and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, prompted by DigiPower X's signaled plans to build a major data center on 40 acres in the town. While no formal permit requests have been filed yet, the project is listed as 'In Development' on DigiPower's website and could bring substantial new tax revenue and investment to Hildebran and Burke County if it moves forward. According to Burke Economic Development CEO Alan Wood, the proposed AI data center could involve a $200-500 million local investment and create high-paying technical and security jobs. However, it would also require significant power and water usage. The town and county will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits and impacts as the project moves through the approval process.