Spanish Fork to Vote on Volition Off-Grid AI Data Center
The Spanish Fork City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposal from Volition Industries for a unique off-grid AI data center. The company claims the project will have minimal impact on local water and electricity resources, despite some resident skepticism. The data center plans to repurpose an existing warehouse and contribute significantly to local taxes.
The Spanish Fork City Council is scheduled to vote on August 18th on a proposal by Provo-based Volition Industries for a self-powered, off-grid AI data center. CEO Jeff Chavez presented the concept in April, highlighting its design to operate without relying on the local power grid and with minimal water consumption. The company aims to repurpose the 1.05 million square foot Western Distribution Center, an existing industrial facility near Spanish Fork canyon, rather than constructing a new building. Volition estimates the data center would generate approximately 100 employee car trips per shift, significantly less than an alternative use as a large distribution truck depot.
A key concern, water usage, is addressed by Volition's claim that the data center will use a closed-loop cooling system requiring a one-time fill of 500,000 gallons and then 250,000 gallons annually, equivalent to one Utah household's yearly consumption. This is a stark contrast to typical medium-sized data centers that can use as much water as 1,000 households. The proposal also addresses electricity concerns by utilizing localized solid oxide fuel cells powered by a dedicated natural gas line, thus avoiding strain on the local power grid and preventing increases in utility bills for residents.
Despite Volition's promises of significant tax contributions, including an estimated $40 million in property taxes, an additional $500,000 for the community, and over 1,000 new trade jobs, some residents remain skeptical. At a community open house, concerns were raised about the enforceability of the company's commitments, especially since Volition acknowledged it has not yet built a data center identical to the Spanish Fork proposal. The proposed Development Agreement, which includes a water use cap, no-grid interconnection covenant, and enforceable noise limit, is still being finalized, with specific penalties for violations under debate. The Council's decision will determine the future of this unique data center project in Spanish Fork.