Data Center Signal is tracking 10 clips about Alabama Power data center developments across 2 states, including AL, GA.
Cloverleaf Infrastructure is hosting an open house in Hayneville, Lowndes County, Alabama, to discuss its Project Red Clay data center plan. The company aims to address public opposition and misconceptions regarding the development, while opponents are encouraging residents to protest peacefully outside the event.
Birmingham's regional water utility board held a rate-setting workshop, deferring decisions on potential rate increases. The utility's CEO stated they have ample capacity and are actively promoting their ability to supply water to AI data centers, including a large, controversial project in Oxmoor Valley. They are also coordinating with Alabama Power.
AI data company Nebius has voluntarily dropped its lawsuit against the Birmingham Zoning Board. The lawsuit stemmed from confusion and denial surrounding a special exception request for power infrastructure for a data center project. This development comes amidst ongoing community pushback against data center construction in Alabama.
Digi Power X signed a $1.1 billion master services agreement with Cerebras Systems for its AI data center in Columbiana, Alabama, with plans to expand operations for a 2027 service start. However, the Columbiana City Council unanimously rejected a tax abatement proposal for the project. The community has previously expressed disapproval, leading to restrictions being placed on future data centers by the City Council.
Former Vice President Al Gore discussed the climate impact of artificial intelligence and data centers, noting the exponential increase in energy demand. He highlighted local opposition, such as to Project Marvel in Bessemer, Alabama, and the veto of a data center moratorium in Maine. Gore emphasized the need for policy changes to encourage renewable energy co-location and address governmental processes influenced by fossil fuel interests.
Southern Co., parent company of Georgia Power, reported a slight increase in profits for the first quarter of 2026, reaching $1.36 billion. This rise is largely attributed to the surge of energy-hungry data centers in Georgia and neighboring states. The company's earnings were up 1.65% compared to the same period last year.
The bureaucratic battle against the proposed Nebius AI data center in Birmingham's Oxmoor Valley has fizzled, as city officials determined Nebius does not need city approval for its power infrastructure due to zoning interpretations. Despite public opposition and a temporary city-wide moratorium on data centers, the Nebius project is exempt as it was already in the permitting process, clearing its path forward. Residents remain concerned about environmental impacts, electricity use, and noise pollution.
The Alabama legislature concluded its session, passing a utility regulation overhaul and a law directing the Public Service Commission to consider data center electricity costs on residential ratepayers. While a new "Sound Science" law faced criticism, citizen opposition successfully defeated a bill to end PSC elections, highlighting growing public engagement on energy and environmental issues, including the impacts of data centers like a proposed campus in Bessemer.
The City of Birmingham has clarified that critical infrastructure for Nebius's large AI factory project in Oxmoor Valley does not require special zoning approval, despite earlier confusion and community opposition. This decision allows the substation and switching station to proceed. Additionally, the Nebius project and a DC Blox expansion were deemed exempt from the city's data center moratorium due to prior application dates.
Birmingham's Zoning Board of Adjustment has recommended Nebius' request to build a substation for its proposed AI factory to the full city council, despite strong community opposition. The ZBA's recommendation comes with conditions, and they denied a separate request from Alabama Power for a switching station. Neighbors are concerned about power, water, noise, and environmental impacts.