Data Center Signal is tracking 28 clips about Evergy data center developments across 3 states, including KS, MO, VA.
Utility company Evergy is requesting to build more power plants to address the rising electricity demand. This increased demand is primarily attributed to the growing number of data centers being developed in its service region. The move highlights the impact of data center expansion on regional power grids.
Evergy, a utility company, is reportedly benefiting from the increasing demand for data centers. This positive impact is also attributed to the company's strategic investments. The article highlights how the growth of the data center industry is advantageous for Evergy's operations.
The article reports on key takeaways from a meeting held in Topeka, Kansas. The meeting involved representatives from Compass Datacenters and the utility company Evergy, likely discussing data center development plans and energy supply.
Evergy is reportedly planning to construct new power plants in Kansas. This decision is being made in response to a significant boom in data center development across the state, indicating a growing demand for electricity.
The City of Edgerton has filed a lawsuit against residents and a collective to block a citizen petition that seeks to ban high-impact data centers. The city argues the petition is factually and legally deficient, citing inaccuracies regarding water and electric services, and its impact on zoning. This legal action follows the city council's approval of a site plan for a data center project by DAMAC Digital Solutions Kansas, LLC despite public opposition.
Topeka's City Manager, Dr. Robert Perez, discussed upcoming budget talks and the potential development of data centers. Compass Datacenters is pursuing an application for a facility just outside the city limits. The city's governing body has scheduled a special work session to address the data center proposal and its infrastructure impact with Compass Datacenters and Evergy officials.
Compass Datacenters has submitted a conditional use permit application for a new data center campus near Topeka in Shawnee County, Kansas. The proposal faces scrutiny over potential noise, electricity, and water impacts, and has drawn local opposition. Concurrently, the City of Topeka enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers.
The Lyon County Commission unanimously enacted two six-month moratoriums, one on data centers and battery storage, and another on solar projects, for unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioner Chris Bartel proposed the moratoriums due to rumors of a potential data center development and a lack of specific zoning regulations. The data center moratorium will expire on January 22, 2027, allowing time to develop specific zoning language.
Lyon County commissioners unanimously approved six-month temporary moratoriums on new data center, battery energy storage, and utility-scale solar projects. This decision allows the county's Planning and Zoning Department to review and strengthen existing zoning regulations. The moratoriums were enacted following months of discussion and public input regarding the potential impacts of such developments.
Residents and local officials in Nodaway County, Missouri, are actively opposing a proposed $6.3 billion AI data center, 'White Cloud Acres', by Scale Microgrids, citing major concerns over water usage, noise, light pollution, and potential PFAS contamination. The Maryville City Council has already enacted a moratorium on large industrial builds within city limits, while the Nodaway County Commission is exploring options for a county-wide moratorium and regulations on data center development.
Digital Realty has proposed "Astra North," a large data center campus in De Soto, Kansas, near the Panasonic battery plant. Preliminary plans for the $4 billion first phase, including nine buildings and two substations requiring 600 MW of power, were presented to the De Soto City Council. This project, alongside another by Beale Infrastructure, has generated significant community opposition due to its scale and proximity to schools.
A proposed data center in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, could feature 10-15 buildings and consume up to 1.2 gigawatts of power. Developer Beltline Energy is brokering the deal, but has not yet submitted an application as the land is currently zoned for agricultural use. Pottawatomie County is currently drafting regulations for such facilities.
Kanza Park Place announced plans for a gigawatt-scale data center, the Flint Hills Digital Campus, in Emporia, Kansas. The project, projected to be a 10-year build-out on 1,000 acres, faces numerous questions from the public and city officials regarding its environmental impact, electricity and water usage, and potential economic benefits. Public opinion has been largely critical, prompting city officials and the Regional Development Association to address community concerns.
Missouri's efforts to regulate hyperscale data centers, particularly their energy consumption, are lagging behind their rapid expansion. Senate Bill 4, enacted last year, aims to make large energy users pay for their own infrastructure costs, but critics argue it has loopholes and could lead to increased reliance on natural gas and costs passed to consumers. Local communities are resorting to moratoriums in the absence of comprehensive state-level regulation.
Data centers are expanding nationally, but there are currently no plans or discussions for data center development in Shawnee County, Kansas. While utility company Evergy has reported interest from companies looking to build in its service area, no projects have moved forward in Shawnee County at this time.
Evergy, a utility company, is reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing a new data center development to Topeka, Kansas. This initiative suggests a potential expansion of data center infrastructure in the region, with Evergy playing a key role in its establishment.
Emporia city leaders have announced plans for the Flint Hills Digital Campus, a gigawatt-scale data center project led by Kanza Park Place LLC, set for Industrial Park IV. The project is currently in the initial phase of study and zoning considerations, with significant potential economic impacts for the city. Discussions are underway regarding infrastructure, including water rights and a high water usage policy, and the Emporia Planning Commission is considering a new Digital Infrastructure Overlay.
The City of Osawatomie, Kansas, and Alcove Development announced plans to proceed with "Project Catalyst," a multi-phase, 500+ MW data center campus, despite significant community opposition. Developers highlight economic benefits and an air-cooled design to minimize water use, while residents express environmental concerns and have filed petitions and called for a moratorium. The project is expected to undergo a special use permit process.
Community leaders in Pittsburg, Kansas, gathered at a Chamber of Commerce presentation to learn about potential data center expansion opportunities. Evergy's Senior Director of External Affairs was involved, suggesting discussions around energy infrastructure for future developments.
A major 765-kilovolt transmission line project, Valley Link, proposed by Dominion Energy and its partners to serve data centers in Northern Virginia, is facing intense opposition from residents and advocacy groups in rural Virginia counties like Goochland. Residents have filed a lawsuit challenging Goochland County's recently approved technology overlay district, citing inconsistencies in zoning. Concerns include disruption of rural character, environmental impacts, and grid reliability.