Implementation of the $5bn Project Ruby data center campus is taking shape in fine style in Columbus, Georgia. Economic development group Choose Columbus recently announced that the Development Authority of Columbus has been negotiating with Habitat Partners. The main aim of negotiations is to secure a site for a data center development.

The data center campus, Project Ruby, is expected to be $5billion+. Moreover, it will located in Muscogee County and will be built out between 2027 and 2030 according to the announcement. “This project represents one of the largest technology investments in our region’s history,” said Selvin Hollingsworth, chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia.

He also added that the project’s “… economic and fiscal impacts will expand opportunity, enhance our tax base, and position Columbus as a competitive hub for future data-driven industries.” Despite the recent information on current steps, much information such as the implications to the community are yet to be shared. Other data center projects in Georgia also include one in Douglas County being constructed by DC Blox.

Outlook on the Project Ruby Data Center in Georgia

Despite little being known on Project Ruby so far, the dots seem to be connecting on its scope of implementation. The Ledge-Enquirer reports that a four-building campus is being proposed on some 987 acres in Upatoi that were recently sold to Habitat Real Estate Partners. The publication also reports the project has requested a 600MW grid connection from Flint Energies, with 200MW coming in 2029 and increasing out to 2034.

On the other hand, WRBL reports that Atlas Development is also involved in the project. Atlas Development is involved in data centers all across the state of Georgia, including Rome, Villa Rica, and Temple. “Economic development is the fiscal heartbeat that drives any successful community.

This project puts people from our region to work and provides sustainable revenues that will continue to enhance the quality of life for the residents of this community,” noted Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson. Muscogee County is located on Georgia’s central western border with Alabama. The Columbus development authority is reportedly not offering any tax incentives to potential data center developers.

Project Factsheet:

• Project Name: Project Ruby Data Center Campus
• Location: Columbus, Georgia
• Estimated Investment Value: $5 Billion+
• Project Type: Campus development of data centers

Timeline

• Site negotiations underway
• Construction to commence 2027 -2030.
• Also 200MW grid capacity by 2029.
• Complete grid scaling until 2034.

Site & Scale

• 987 acres
• Four-building campus proposal.

The overall requested grid connection is 600MW.

Key Developers / Authorities / Partners.

• Development Authority of Columbus – Local development authority spearheading site negotiations.
• Choose Columbus – Regional economic development organization helping to coordinate projects.
• Habitat Real Estate Partners – Negotiating site; also purchaser of the land in Upatoi.
• Atlas Development – Reported project participant; also engaged in data center developments in the state.
• Flint Energies- Electricity company; 600MW grid connection application.

Strategic Objectives

• Make Columbus a significant data infrastructure center.
• Also expand regional tax base
• Provide employment opportunities in the long term.
• Furthermore, it will build stronger data center ecosystem in Georgia.

Power & Infrastructure

• 600MW total power request
• 200MW initial supply target (2029)
• Scalable power supply until 2034.

Current Status

• Energetic land acquisition negotiations.
• Grid capacity negotiations in progress.
• Also no tax incentives are reported to be offered.