Niagara Digital Campus aims to use local hydroelectric power amid New York state moratorium
The Niagara Digital Campus, a $1.5 billion project in Niagara Falls, NY, proposes to use local hydroelectric power for a new data center campus. Developers claim the project directly addresses concerns raised by Governor Hochul's statewide moratorium on data centers, particularly regarding energy, water, and noise. The developer has obtained necessary zoning and settled a land dispute with the city, but state approval is still pending.
The proposed Niagara Digital Campus in Niagara Falls, New York, aims to bring economic prosperity back to the city by leveraging its abundant hydroelectric power, reminiscent of its industrial past. Niagara Falls Redevelopment and Toronto-based Urbacon are spearheading the privately financed $1.5 billion project, which plans for a data center campus on 43 acres in downtown Niagara Falls.
The developers emphasize that the project would utilize approximately 140 megawatts, or just 5 percent, of the 2,600-megawatt capacity from the nearby Robert Moses Power Plant, keeping locally generated power within Niagara. They project 550 permanent jobs, 1,700 supporting jobs, and 5,600 construction jobs over a decade, along with significant tax revenue for the city and schools.
The project is positioned as a direct answer to Governor Kathy Hochul's Executive Order 62, which enacted a statewide moratorium on new data centers over 50 megawatts due to concerns about energy demand, water, air quality, and noise. The developers argue Niagara Falls inherently addresses these issues, with existing hydroelectric power, reliance on clean energy, and a proposed location on vacant downtown land.
While a dispute with Niagara Falls City Hall over Parcel 0 has been settled, with the city receiving 10 acres for Centennial Park, and the developer securing necessary zoning and permits, state government approval remains the final hurdle. The project, if approved, could see construction begin in summer 2027.