Data center developments spark discussion
Data center developments are a highly debated topic in Ohio's Mahoning Valley, driven by concerns over water usage and rising electricity costs. While Zaharris is advancing a data center project in Yellow Creek Township, Columbiana County, Warren City Council members have proposed a moratorium on data centers within city limits. A local tech firm owner discusses how companies are addressing water issues and the state's role in electricity costs, warning of potential economic losses from a statewide ban.
Data center developments have become a contentious issue across Ohio's Mahoning Valley, drawing increasing public pushback primarily due to concerns over water consumption and rising electricity prices. Leslie Huff of WFMJ Weekend reported on the discussions, featuring insights from a local tech firm owner.
Specifically, in Columbiana County, the company Zaharris is moving forward with plans for a new data center and an associated power grid in Yellow Creek Township. Concurrently, in the city of Warren, two city council members have introduced a proposal for a moratorium on all new data center construction within the city's boundaries.
The tech firm owner, Hugenberg, believes that companies are increasingly mindful of community concerns, particularly regarding water use, noting that almost all new proposals now incorporate contained water cooling systems. However, he points out that issues related to electricity costs are largely influenced by state-level policies originating from Columbus. Hugenberg warned that a potential state amendment to ban data centers in Ohio or local moratoriums could result in a significant loss of invested capital, impacting towns that could otherwise benefit economically from such developments. He also mentioned that state politicians have considered, but not yet passed, rules allowing data centers to shift some operational costs to consumers.