Jobs, power and water: Fairfield presses data center developers

A technology company named Patmos is seeking to transform a long-abandoned Super Walmart in Fairfield, Alabama, into a colocation data center and technology campus. The project, which would allow multiple tech companies to rent server space, is being presented by city leaders as a significant economic development opportunity for the community.

However, Fairfield residents expressed numerous concerns during a packed town hall meeting. Questions were raised about the number of jobs the project would create, its consumption of electricity and water, potential environmental impacts, and the specific benefits the city would receive. Patmos indicated that the initial phase would involve a 20-megawatt facility, representing a $150 million investment, and could ultimately support about 50 long-term jobs. This job projection, however, did not satisfy all residents, with some questioning if the jobs would benefit local citizens.

Further concerns were voiced regarding noise pollution and the possibility of cooling chemicals contaminating groundwater. Patmos addressed these by stating the first phase would use approximately 10,000 gallons of water daily during peak conditions and that cooling chemicals would remain contained. Alabama Power confirmed it had studied the project and assured that existing customers would not incur costs for necessary grid upgrades. While the former Walmart site is under contract, the data center requires city approval, and Patmos plans to apply for permits by month's end. This comes after Fairfield enacted a six-month moratorium on new data centers last month, though city leaders claim it does not apply to the proposed Patmos project.