Data center activity in Delaware
Delaware's environment has declined sharply over the past quarter, driven by a zoning record of six denials against one approval and notable regulatory friction. Opposition has blocked at least three projects, at least four lawsuits have been filed, and four moratoriums were enacted against one rejected. At least 13 companies are active. Because reported outcomes are few, this assessment carries low confidence, though Delaware currently looks more restrictive than neighboring Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Delaware's environment has declined sharply over the past quarter, driven by a zoning record of six denials against one approval and notable regulatory friction. Opposition has blocked at least three projects, at least four lawsuits have been filed, and four moratoriums were enacted against one rejected. At least 13 companies are active. Because reported outcomes are few, this assessment carries low confidence, though Delaware currently looks more restrictive than neighboring Pennsylvania and Maryland.
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Dover City Council approved an 18-month moratorium prohibiting new AI data center applications within the city. Officials said the pause will allow the city to assess potential impacts on power infrastructure, utility rates, the environment and future development standards.
A previously planned data center site in Newark, Delaware, could instead become part of the Christina School District. The available information does not identify the developer or provide details about a final decision.
The New Castle County Council approved an ordinance requiring developers of large energy-use facilities, including data centers, to demonstrate adequate electricity and transmission capacity before construction. The rule does not apply retroactively, while pending data center proposals remain stalled amid resident opposition and regulatory concerns; Dover separately approved a construction moratorium.
Dover became the first Delaware municipality to enact an 18-month moratorium on data centers. The measure, introduced by Councilwoman Donyale Hall, is intended to give officials time to address electricity and water concerns, although critics say it could discourage business investment.
Dover City Council approved an 18-month moratorium on large energy-use facilities, including data centers. The moratorium took effect immediately on Oct. 12 after being introduced by Councilmember Donyale Hall.
The Dover City Council unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction and on reviewing proposals for large energy-use facilities. Officials will use the pause to study data centers’ effects on electricity demand, the environment, infrastructure and residents before developing potential regulations.
Dover City Council unanimously passed an 18-month moratorium on new data center applications. The pause will allow the city to study infrastructure capacity, electric-rate impacts, water use and potential regulations before considering future projects.
Dover City Council is preparing to vote on a proposed 18-month moratorium on new data center applications. Officials cite concerns about impacts on city infrastructure and electric rates.
Dover officials are scheduled to vote on an 18-month moratorium covering data center proposals within city limits that would use at least 30 megawatts of power. The article also previews New Castle County impact-fee legislation and a Georgetown hearing on its cottage-home ordinance.
Proposed Delaware legislation would require or incentivize data centers to provide their own power. The bills address the electricity demands and grid impacts associated with data center development statewide.
A judge upheld emergency clauses adopted by the Wilmington City Council for data center ordinances. The available information does not identify a specific data center company or project affected by the ruling.
Kent County Levy Court approved regulations for potential data center development in July. Although officials indicated that additional protections might follow, no amendments have been added yet.
CCRRD submitted 1,550 signatures seeking referendums related to Amazon data center development in the Wilmington area. The signature submission represents organized opposition and could trigger a public vote on the projects.
The Dover City Council unanimously passed an 18-month moratorium on applications for AI data centers within city limits. Council members cited the need to study infrastructure capacity, potential impacts, and rising energy prices before considering future proposals.
Bloom Energy, a fuel cell manufacturer, has experienced a significant financial turnaround and joined the S&P 500, largely due to increased demand for its off-grid power plants from AI data centers. Its main manufacturing plant in Newark, Delaware, has become profitable, leading to a production backlog and new hires. The company provides power solutions to major tech firms and data centers, enabling them to operate independently of the strained electric grid.
Milford city officials recently clarified their position on proposed data centers at the future Milford Corporate Center. The statement, shared in a Facebook post, aimed to provide details after receiving public inquiries.
The Harrington City Council recently rejected an ordinance that would have permitted data centers in manufacturing zones. This decision has led to further action, with the city now seeking to ban data centers across all districts.
Dover's Council Committee of the Whole unanimously approved an ordinance to establish a temporary moratorium on data centers. This ordinance will now proceed to the full city council for a final vote. The measure aims to pause data center development in the city.
Two Democratic primary candidates for New Castle County District 3 council seat in Delaware are campaigning with platforms that include regulating data centers. One candidate, Kira Alejandro, pledges to call for a two-year moratorium on data centers and new regulations if elected. Her opponent, Kyle Grantham, also expresses strong opposition to hyperscale data centers and proposes a comprehensive review of county zoning.
Delaware has enacted a new law requiring all data centers within the state to provide their own power. This regulatory change will significantly impact how data center projects are developed and operated in Delaware, shifting the responsibility for energy sourcing to the developers.