Newark officials do not see an immediate need for a meeting on a proposed data center and generation plant on the University of Delaware STAR campus.
A story on the project, which could cost upwards of $1 billion was first published by DelawareBusinessDaily.com and the Business Bulletin last spring. At the time, it was reported that the project was close to getting financing, but no further announcements have been made.
Newark officials do not see an immediate need for a meeting on a proposed data center and generation plant on the University of Delaware STAR campus.
A story on the project, which could cost upwards of $1 billion was first published by DelawareBusinessDaily.com and the Business Bulletin last spring. At the time, it was reported that the project was close to getting financing, but no further announcements have been made.
A few residents voiced concerns about the project at a City Council meeting and asked for a hearing on the proposal, according to published reports.
A release from the city noted that “plans have yet to be submitted to the city. Neither have environmental nor noise and other permit applications been submitted to DNREC, to the city’s knowledge.”
Developer of the project is the Data Center is a West Chester company that has been refining the concept of combining a secure data center with power generation at the site of the former Chrysler plant.
“At this time, Newark has only determined that a Data Center facility and some form of accessory power generation meet the zoning requirements of the Science and Technology Campus now located at the former Chrysler site,” Planning and Development Director Maureen Feeney Roser stated in the release.
Newark has spent much of its time with the company discussing power needs that would require relocation and improvements to the existing substation as well as provide increased reliability improvements to the southern area of the city, the release stated.
It is Newark’s intention to hold a public meeting, or meetings, when more firm information is available, according to the release.
City Manager Carol Houck says, “During the period that city staff have discussed the project with The Data Center representatives, their plans have been continually evolving.”
One key to the project would be an agreement with the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation. Newark is the biggest member municipality in the electric group.
“Any agreement we enter into with The Data Center to purchase power must be in the best interest of all of our members and fit into our long term power requirements,” says DEMEC President Pat McCullar. “We have made this clear to both Newark and company representatives.” Contract negotiations also have yet to begin with Delmarva Power and an application has yet to be made to PJM for injection rights. Both of which may have a long queue for project review and approvals.
According to the News Journal, Amy Roe, a long-time critic of Newark utility operations, and Delmarva Power critic Rep. John Kowalko, spoke at the council session. Roe is a foe of natural gas fracking. Gas from that source would be used at any plant.
Bloom fuel cells, now being built on the STAR campus, would not be used.
