Solano County Fair Association will discuss proposed data center
A proposal by Global Stack LLC to develop an "emergency preparedness hub" data center at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo, California, is scheduled for discussion by the Solano County Fair Association's Board of Directors. The plan for an 8-10 megawatt facility has sparked significant public opposition due to concerns over environmental impacts, high electricity consumption, and water usage for cooling. Residents are organizing to voice their objections at the upcoming meeting.
Global Stack LLC, a Santa Ana-based infrastructure developer, has submitted a proposal for an "emergency preparedness hub" data center at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo, California. The project, which would span five acres and operate at 8-10 megawatts, is part of Global Stack's larger initiative to modernize 70 California fairgrounds by 2030 with small-scale data centers, parking structures, and emergency facilities. The company aims to provide AI capabilities and blackout-proof operations.
The proposal has generated considerable public attention and criticism. Local residents, including lifelong Vallejo resident Laurie Shaft, a former data center industry worker, have expressed concerns regarding potential environmental impacts, particularly the heat dissipation and significant electricity and water consumption required for cooling. Shaft noted that each data pack could generate as much heat as a small house, leading to increased local temperatures.
Another resident, Glencove's Joe Estrada, echoed these concerns, drawing parallels to the proposed AVAIO Perseus Data Center in Pittsburg and highlighting worries about future utility demands and costs for ratepayers. Residents opposed to the project are actively organizing to ensure a strong presence at the upcoming Solano County Fair Association’s Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, where the proposal will be discussed.