Data center developer addresses public as Lakeland considers moratorium
Lakeland, Florida is considering a one-year moratorium on new data centers following public opposition to "Project Swan", a proposed hyper-scale facility. Residents raised health concerns over diesel generators, while city officials questioned the local electric grid's capacity and water resources. The developer, Ryan Companies US, Inc., emphasized its desire to partner with the city.
The city of Lakeland, Florida, is actively considering a one-year moratorium on the approval of new data centers. This proposed ordinance aims to halt development for all data centers and large industrial facilities requiring 50 megawatts or more of power. The move comes amid significant public pushback against "Project Swan," a proposed 600,000-square-foot hyper-scale data center in west Lakeland.
Residents, including Kristie Poma, expressed concerns about potential negative health impacts from contaminants emitted by diesel generators at the proposed site. City commissioners indicated the moratorium would provide necessary time to study the environmental and resource impacts of large-scale facilities, particularly questioning Lakeland's electric grid capacity to support operations requiring 50 to 100 megawatts, or even up to a gigawatt.
Tyler Lohmiller, a developer with Ryan Companies US, Inc. for Project Swan, stated the facility would require about 100 megawatts if Lakeland Electric could provide it, and clarified that the project would not use water for server cooling beyond everyday needs. Lohmiller emphasized the company's intention to collaborate with the city, aiming to minimize impact and maximize benefits for the community. Residents hope city leaders will implement new regulations to protect citizens.
Another public hearing on the proposed moratorium is scheduled for July 20, with a final vote slated for August 3.