Data center in Hopkinsville: HES approached to supply power for possible 50-megawatt facility
Hopkinsville Electric Service (HES) is seeking to expand its capacity with the TVA to power a proposed 50-megawatt AI computing facility in Hopkinsville, developed by North Campbell Land Co. The municipal utility is working with Community Development Services (CDS) to draft zoning ordinances with safeguards like noise limits and closed-loop water systems. Public hearings are ongoing, with a recommendation to the city council expected within 60 days, as HES views this as a vital revenue source to avoid rate increases for residents.
Hopkinsville Electric Service (HES) is seeking to expand its power capacity through the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support a proposed 50-megawatt AI computing facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. This development involves North Campbell Land Co., which plans to convert its existing Bitcoin mining operation and establish a new 50-megawatt site.
HES, a municipal utility, views this project as a crucial revenue stream necessary to offset increasing maintenance costs and avoid raising electricity rates for its approximately 13,000 customers. To facilitate the development responsibly, HES has been proactively engaging with the city's Community Development Services (CDS) to draft and revise zoning ordinances specifically tailored for data centers.
The proposed ordinance addresses specific concerns such as setbacks, noise limits, and the requirement for closed-loop water systems, aiming to protect the community without outright banning data center development. CDS recently held a public hearing, attended by about 100 residents, and plans a second hearing before recommending a final ordinance to the Hopkinsville city council within 60 days. CDS Director Tom Britton emphasized the commitment to balancing economic opportunity with resident protection.
HES assures that TVA can approve the necessary capacity increase without impacting existing service for current customers. The utility has also stated its ability to prioritize residents by cutting off the data center first in the event of a grid overload. While a timeline for a new substation is estimated at six months to a year, no final action was taken during the recent committee meeting, as HES continues to emphasize its commitment to both grid stability and community well-being.