Deep Green project can strengthen Lansing’s future

City Pulse has voiced its support for the proposed Deep Green data center project in Lansing, Michigan, highlighting its potential to strengthen the city's future through sustainable computing infrastructure. The project involves a partnership with the Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) to develop a small-scale data center on E. Kalamazoo Street. The publication emphasizes that the Deep Green model is dramatically smaller than the hyperscale facilities generating controversy elsewhere, such as in Saline Township. It aims to serve regional clients like engineering firms, pharmaceutical companies, and universities, rather than global AI giants. Advocates for the project, including energy and environmental policy consultant Tom Stanton, architect Liz Harrow, and long-time community advocate Joan Nelson, believe it offers economic benefits through construction jobs, an strengthened tax base, and annual revenues of nearly $2 million for the city through property taxes and Return on Equity payments from BWL. The project incorporates a closed-loop system for waste-heat recovery, transferring heat to a downtown hot water system, which is expected to cut carbon emissions and potentially reduce energy costs for local businesses. Deep Green has also assured that the data center installation will not increase rates for other BWL customers and that the company will absorb all infrastructure costs. Community concerns about noise have been raised, with Deep Green representatives committing to implement measures to mute production sounds, which the publication recommends be clearly written into any final agreement. The potential use of fuel cell technology, a first of its kind in Michigan, is also being considered to help BWL meet clean energy requirements. The article concludes by encouraging thoughtful negotiation to ensure community benefits and grid resilience.