Crypto mining center pitched for Industrial Park Road
A cryptocurrency mining center, described as a specialized data center, is in early development in Starkville, Mississippi. The facility would become Starkville Utilities' second-largest electrical customer, drawing up to 30 megawatts of power and using approximately 20,000 gallons of water daily for cooling. The project is currently undergoing feasibility studies and needs to go through the city's Development Review Committee for zoning approval.
A cryptocurrency mining center is in its early development stages on Industrial Park Road in Starkville, Mississippi. If realized, the facility would be a significant customer for Starkville Utilities, consuming up to 30 megawatts (MW) of power daily, second only to Mississippi State University in electricity demand.
Starkville Utilities Director Edward Kemp indicated that early site and system capacity studies have been conducted. Jeff Atwell of Atwell and Gent, an engineering consultant, reported that the Southwest Substation has ample capacity, with the projected 30 MW load still keeping it at 50% capacity, even accounting for 10-year growth. The facility is also projected to use about 20,000 gallons of water daily for cooling, which Kemp noted is a minimal amount compared to the utility's overall capacity.
The project is in its initial discussion phase, with Mayor Lynn Spruill emphasizing that it still requires review by the city's Development Review Committee and a decision on zoning. Public hearings will be scheduled once zoning requests or special exceptions are brought forward. Ward 1 Alderwoman Kim Moreland raised concerns about potential strain on the electrical system for residents, to which Kemp explained that a tri-party agreement involving the developers, TVA, and the city would allow for curbing electrical usage during peak times to prioritize residential customers.