Scale Datacenters Seeks Permit for 100-Megawatt Power Plant in Oklahoma City
Scale Datacenters has applied for air-quality permits to build a 100-megawatt behind-the-meter power plant at its Oklahoma City data center, using generators imported from decommissioned facilities in Bulgaria. The proposal comes as Oklahoma officials consider how to manage data center growth, while Oklahoma City’s moratorium on new data center construction and expansion remains in effect through 2026.
Scale Datacenters is seeking Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality approval for a 100-megawatt power plant at its data center on Oklahoma City’s former Chesapeake Energy campus. The facility would operate independently of the electric grid, initially using generators imported from decommissioned Bulgarian power plants; the company has also said it plans to use new natural-gas units for future operations. The applications are undergoing technical review.
The proposal reflects growing concerns about grid capacity, natural-gas infrastructure, water consumption, noise, traffic and potential increases in utility costs as data centers expand across Oklahoma. Oklahoma City Council approved a moratorium in April on data center construction and expansion through the end of 2026, including rezoning requests for such projects. State legislation enacted in 2025 allows behind-the-meter generation while imposing natural-gas, infrastructure-cost and disclosure requirements, and lawmakers are studying additional oversight of the industry.