Developers of the $1.3B Springfield data center facility in Ohio, 5C Group, have provided a green plan for the project. The site sustainability plan comes at a time when data centers are receiving major backlashes and opposition for hoarding resources. Many communities in the U.S. note that commercial-scale data centers are becoming notorious for their high consumption of resources. These mainly include water and electricity.
However, 5C Group has noted that it has a game plan on the project located at Prime Ohio corporate park. “We support a greener future for AI through innovative and environmentally conscious data center and compute AI infrastructure solutions,” they noted in their website. Moreover, it notes that it will source at least 30% of its power from wind, solar and/or nuclear power generating facilities.
It will do this using power purchase agreements with Ohio-based renewable energy developers to deliver power to the regional energy grid. “Like other large industrial users, 5C purchases electricity independently under standard large-user rates.
It is our financial responsibility to pay for any grid upgrades required by our project,” said André Lamarre, executive vice president for Hypertec. Through this, they aim to assure residents that electricity rates will not be affected. The completion of the Springfield data center facility is one of many across Ohio as the $15 billion Vantage data centers in New Albany Ohio also taking shape.
Water as a Sustainability Factor
The other sustainability focus for residents regarding the Springfield data center facility is water. 5C applied for a water permit to use up to 300,000 gallons of water daily from Springfield’s public water system.
However vice president of AI and product strategy for 5C, David Bitton, noted that many days of the year no water will be required. “It’s a very common practice in the data center world to apply for a permit for the worst case scenario on that water usage,” Bitton said. 5c’s facility will use a direct liquid cooling system.
Instead of relying on evaporation for cooling, the facility will be cooled using a recirculating fluid that will transfer heat away from the IT components.
He noted that the worst case scenario where water may be needed is when the temperature outdoor is more than 80 degrees Farenheit. Even so, he said only 10% of the 300,000 gallons will be used at maximum. Bitton also noted they will try to reduce water use over time as new technology becomes more efficient
Significance of the Springfield Data Center Facility
Once complete, the Springfield data center facility is expected to roll in various benefits for the community its stationed at. It is estimated to create 120 full-time jobs and more than $14 million in payroll.
The Canada-based AI infrastructure company launched last April as a spinoff of IT provider Hypertec, which it still partners with. On the other hand, Hypertec inherited the Springfield data center project after a company acquisition.
5C Group is responsible for the engineering and maintenance of the 75 megawatt data center. Hypertec has promised to ensure that the wants and needs of Springfield residents will not be affected by the data center.
Project Factsheet
5C Group – Springfield Data Center Facility (Ohio, USA).
- Project Overview
- Project Coordinator: Dean Kamener.
- Developer: 5C Group
- Project Value: US$1.3 billion
- Place: prime Ohio corporate park, Springfield, Ohio, USA.
- Industry: Data Centers / AI Infrastructure.
- Status: Planned / Development stage.
- Capacity of the facility: 75 megawatts (MW).
Developer Profile
- Company: 5C Group
- Headquarters: Canada
Renewable Energy Amendment
- At maximum 30 percent of overall power to be used:
Grid Impact Assurance:
- Electricity that is bought on standard large industrial user rates.
- The entire cost of any grid upgrades will also be paid by 5C Group.
Water Use & Cooling Technology.
- Water usage expected on few days a year.
- Not needed until the outdoor temperature is more than 80degF (27degC).
- Worse-case use limited to approximately a tenth of the allowed volume.
Cooling System:
- Direct liquid cooling technology.
- Recirculating fluid system instead of evaporation.
- Direct transfer of heat is also done off the equipment, saving a lot of water wastage.
Future Efficiency Plans:
- Continued improvement in reducing water usage due to the development of new cooling systems.
Community & Economic Impact
- About 120 full-time employees.
- US 14M in yearly salaries.
Hypertec and 5C Group commitments:
- Needs of the community will not be compromised.
- The utility availability of residents needs also to be insured.
- Public Concerns & Response by the Company.
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