Data center activity in Delaware
Delaware's General Assembly passed legislation requiring new data centers to provide or fund their own power supply and capping utility spending passed to customers. Separately, New Castle County adopted data center regulations, and Kent County is proposing its own, while the Public Service Commission takes a more assertive stance on utility rate increases.
Kent County, Delaware, has unanimously approved new regulations for data centers, including limits on noise, specific zoning requirements, and mandates for developers to disclose water, power, and cooling plans. The ordinance was passed after a lengthy public hearing, with commissioners stating it's a proactive measure to control future developments rather than approving a specific project. Discussions are ongoing for potentially stricter measures, including project-specific public hearings or even moratoriums.
Kent County, Delaware, has adopted new regulations for data center construction in its unincorporated areas, following similar actions in New Castle County. The rules include mandatory buffers, noise limits, and requirements for developers to provide documentation on infrastructure impacts. Local officials are also exploring the legality and feasibility of implementing an outright county-wide ban on data centers due to significant public opposition.
The City of Newark, Delaware, faces a potential lawsuit from the state's Attorney General's Office for refusing to release closed-door meeting minutes related to a 2013 data center project. The AG's office ruled the city violated the Freedom of Information Act by denying a citizen activist access to the documents. The city has stated it will not comply with the ruling and invites the AG's office to initiate litigation to compel disclosure.
This article provides a roundup of recent activities and discussions within the Delaware General Assembly. The legislative body has been addressing topics related to energy policy and the development of data centers within the state.
Kent County, Delaware, is considering an ordinance aimed at limiting the effects of data center development within its jurisdiction. This regulatory effort indicates a move towards implementing stricter controls on the industry's impact within the county.
The Kent County Regional Planning Board unanimously approved new regulations for data centers, which aim to mitigate environmental impacts and protect public welfare. These regulations address issues like location, setbacks, and noise/light pollution. The measure now proceeds to the Kent County Levy Court for final approval.
Kent County, Delaware, is proactively establishing new zoning regulations for future data center development to address concerns like noise, buffering, setbacks, and environmental impacts. The Kent County Regional Planning Commission unanimously recommended the ordinance, which will now move to the Kent County Levy Court for a public hearing and final vote on July 21. Residents expressed opposition, citing concerns about electricity demand, limited jobs, and environmental strain.
Delaware legislators have passed new regulations to manage the impact of data centers on the state's electric grid and increase transparency. While eight data centers exist, none are classified as "large-scale" under the new laws. Four proposed major data center projects are currently stalled due to regulatory hurdles and local opposition.
A proposed ordinance aimed at regulating data centers in Kent County is currently under review by the Regional Planning Commission. The ordinance seeks to establish controls over these facilities, which are noted for their noise and high energy consumption. Commission members have expressed mixed reactions to the proposal.
Bloom Energy and Brookfield have announced an expanded strategic partnership, including a $25 billion agreement to provide power solutions for data centers. This deal involves Nebius, a Netherlands-based AI cloud company, and focuses on deploying Bloom Energy's fuel cells.
AirJoule unveiled its Prime system in Newark, Delaware, a device designed to convert waste heat from industrial facilities, including data centers, into potable water. The technology also dehumidifies the air, offering a solution for water and energy demands scrutinized by communities amidst rapid data center expansion. The system, developed by a joint venture between AirJoule Technologies and GE Vernova, is currently being refined for commercial deployment.
A data center development plan in Newark, Delaware, has been temporarily halted. This pause follows a recent deal, as announced by a County Councilman.
The Kent County Regional Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss a proposed ordinance that would regulate data centers. This discussion is part of a broader agenda for their upcoming meeting on July 2.
The article reports on the key issues, including data centers and voting rights, that were addressed during the final day of a legislative session. It also highlights a 3 a.m. veto override as a significant event during the session.
Data centers in Delaware may face new regulatory requirements following a recent legislative effort. The specific details of these potential new hurdles are not yet clear.
The Delaware General Assembly passed three bills aimed at controlling energy costs and regulating data centers. These bills include requirements for data centers to supply their own power and be the first to be cut off in a blackout. Additionally, a proposed moratorium on data center development was rejected.
A Newark, Delaware company named AirJoule unveiled a new "Prime" system that harvests drinkable water from the air using waste heat from data centers. This technology aims to help data centers generate their own water, reducing their reliance on local water grids and addressing environmental concerns. The first unit will be demonstrated in Europe as part of a Net Zero Innovation Hub.
Startup company AirJoule publicly unveiled its "AirJoule Prime" atmospheric water generator, a large-scale commercial water harvester. The system is being prepared to target the big tech and hyperscale data center market. The debut took place outside the company's research and development lab in Newark, Delaware.
The Wilmington City Council is preparing for a final vote on a proposed zoning amendment pertaining to data centers. This amendment represents a significant local government action regarding data center development within the city.