Data Center Proposal faces Scrutiny in College station Ahead of City Council Vote
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – A proposed data center in college Station is sparking debate among residents, with a city council vote scheduled for Thursday. Priority Power CEO Brandon Schwertner is addressing concerns and clarifying the project’s focus, emphasizing a shift away from initial discussions of cryptocurrency mining towards artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
The controversy stems from early drafts of project documents that referenced Bitcoin mining, which were circulated on social media. Schwertner intends to request the city council remove any language referencing cryptocurrency from the land agreement. “There was a general misconception, and rightfully so, that this was going to be a Bitcoin mining site,” he stated.
Schwertner, a Texas A&M alumnus and former football player, highlighted the potential benefits of the data center, planned for a location near the Midtown area behind Costco. He believes it will support the university, create jobs, and substantially boost local tax revenue. “It’s going to bring more business into the city,” Schwertner said, “You can’t argue the taxation benefits…the job creations.”
Concerns among College Station residents are fueled by negative experiences in other Texas communities, such as granbury, where residents near a Bitcoin mine report disruptive and persistent noise. Residents described the noise as causing sleep deprivation, disorientation, and even motion sickness.
Schwertner assured residents that the College Station facility will not replicate these issues. he stated that the technology being utilized is more advanced and that the project will adhere to local noise ordinances. “So if this is going to be located in a city,there’s not going to be noise issues – the city wouldn’t allow for it,” he explained.
Regarding infrastructure, Schwertner confirmed the city previously allocated water resources for the site, and the project will remain within those limits. He also stated that the data center’s power supply will be sourced externally to avoid impacting residents’ electricity bills or increasing prices. He clarified that the city will provide electrical service to the facility, charging a standard rate, similar to service provided to homes and businesses.
The College Station City Council will continue discussions on the proposal Thursday, with a significant turnout of residents anticipated, many intending to voice their opposition.
