The $10bn Energy Way Tech data center campus by Amazon and Duke Energy is set for a public hearing in Richmond County, Virginia. State regulators are drafting two air quality permits for Duke Energy and Amazon Data Services, connected to a major new data center project in Hamlet. Amazon plans to build its $10 billion data center in Hamlet in Richmond County, with some help from the utility.

The facility falls in a census tract designated by the state Department of Environmental Quality as potentially disadvantaged. An Amazon report also concluded that Richmond County is “within the two least healthy ranges for the state.” The project will include 21 buildings supported by 1,600 megawatts of diesel generation, according to the company’s application.

The permits would allow Amazon to operate the generators. They would also be emitting between 100 and 250 tons of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds annually. Additionally, the project would result in high particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and benzene emissions. Google is working on various data centers in the neighboring Chesterfield County such as the “Project Skye” data center which USACE has recently provided more insight into.

Outlook on the Energy Way Tech Data Center Campus in Richmond County

The Energy Way Tech data center campus in Richmond County where Amazon plans to build is already considered “highly burdened” by the CDC Social Vulnerability Index, with Black and Indigenous populations higher than the state average. However, State regulators said that the facility would be a “minor source” of hazardous air pollutants. Moreover, “the facility’s emissions of toxic air pollutants are not expected to cause an exceedance of any health-based acceptable level under state law.”

Duke Energy’s Richmond County Combustion Turbine Facility plans to construct 57 new diesel generators on Amazon’s property. The generators would operate for one year while Amazon builds its backup power supply. The public hearing will take place Thursday, July 30, at the Old Richmond County Courthouse in Rockingham, an hour and a half east of Charlotte.

To comment on the draft permits, email the North Carolina Division of Air Quality with the subject line “Amazon.25A and DukeRichmond.26C” or call 919-707-8726. The public comment period ends July 31.

Project Overview

• Project Value: $10B
• Location: Richmond County, North Carolina
• Developers: Amazon & Duke Energy
• Project Name: Energy Way Tech Campus
• Status: Public hearing and permitting

Scope

• 21 data center buildings planned
• 1,600 MW of diesel backup generation
• Temporary power infrastructure by Duke Energy
• Air quality permits under review

Project Highlights

• Major hyperscale data center campus
• Supports long-term cloud expansion
• Significant utility infrastructure required
• One of the region’s largest investments

Community Concerns

• Air emissions from diesel generators
• Located in a vulnerable community
• Environmental and health concerns raised
• Public comments invited on permits

Key Developments

• Public hearing scheduled for July 30
• Comment period ends July 31
• State reviewing draft air permits
• Regulators classify facility as a minor pollution source

Outlook

• Permit approvals will shape project timeline
• Public feedback may influence final decisions
• Campus expected to boost regional investment
• Environmental scrutiny likely to continue