Rowan declines to clarify long-term Temple data center plans after opposition group questions construction
Temple residents are actively opposing proposed Rowan data center projects, claiming up to eight facilities, including one for Meta and seven for Rowan, are planned for the area. Rowan Digital Infrastructure has declined to fully clarify its long-term expansion plans, citing outdated parent company information and focusing on three already-approved projects. Opponents plan a town hall to discuss the alleged developments.
Temple, Texas residents are actively opposing proposed data center developments by Rowan Digital Infrastructure, claiming the company plans to build up to eight facilities in the area, including one associated with Meta Platforms and seven by Rowan. Opposition representative Sarah Royer cited information from Rowan's parent company, Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, indicating control over 1,350 acres and 1.6 gigawatts of power capacity planned between 2026 and 2030, with readily available water access and competitive energy rates.
Rowan spokesperson Nathan Brown, however, stated that Quinbrook's information is "outdated" and declined to confirm long-term expansion plans beyond the three projects in Temple that have already received approval: Project Stampede, Project Ranger, and Project Temple. Brown confirmed that 300 megawatts for Project Temple would come from a former Project Moriah allocation. State Rep. Hillary Hickland and her director, Lynsey Patrick, confirmed Rowan representatives had previously discussed plans for up to seven local data centers in a campus format.
Concerns among residents include potential water consumption, electrical grid impacts, and noise. Records reviewed by The Killeen Daily Herald found no non-disclosure agreements between Temple officials and Rowan, nor did the city commission independent studies on these potential impacts. City officials anticipate significant annual tax revenue from the projects. Opponents, including the Royers, are organizing a town hall meeting on Monday to further address the proposed developments.