Datawatt Energy confirms early discussions for Belvidere data center
Datawatt Energy has confirmed early discussions for a data center project in Belvidere, Illinois, which has sparked significant local opposition. Despite an initial denial by the Boone County Board, an email surfaced confirming the company's interest and ongoing conversations with city officials. The project is expected to proceed through the municipal review process.
A recent survey indicates that 75 percent of Americans oppose data centers in their neighborhoods, a sentiment echoed by residents in Belvidere, Illinois, concerning a potential data center project.
Controversy arose after a data center idea was discussed at a Boone County Board meeting, where several members of the public, including Marie Novak who lives near the proposed site, voiced strong opposition. The Boone County Board initially attempted to reassure residents that no such proposal was on the table.
However, an email later surfaced between a Belvidere City Council member and Datawatt Energy, indicating interest in a data center along Genoa Road. Datawatt Energy subsequently provided a statement to Rockford News First, confirming "early conversations with the City of Belvidere about a potential project." The company noted Belvidere's interest in growth and development and stated that any next steps would follow the normal municipal review and approval process. The community, despite the lack of response from Belvidere's Mayor, continues to express its disapproval.
The Belvidere Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet on the second Tuesday of each month, with the next meeting set for September, where the project may be discussed.