Black Mountain Seeks Rezoning for Data Center
An oil and gas company, Black Mountain, is moving forward with plans to develop a data center in Fort Worth, Texas. The company has requested a zoning change for 141 acres of land located at the southeast corner of Lon Stephenson Road and Forest Hill Drive in the Forest Hill area of Fort Worth. The land, which is currently designated for agricultural, residential, multifamily, and commercial use, would be rezoned to allow for data center development.
Proposed Zoning Change for the Development Site
The property in question is currently zoned for multiple uses, including agriculture and residential, but Black Mountain is requesting a change to “PD/SU” (Planned Development Specific Use). This new zoning designation would enable the construction of a data center, along with other potential uses yet to be disclosed. The request was presented to the Fort Worth planning commission in early January, with the commission voting 6-4 in favor of recommending the project to the city council for further approval.
Details and Plans for the Data Center
While specific details about the proposed data center remain limited, Black Mountain’s CEO, Rhett Bennett, clarified at the planning commission meeting that the facility would not be used for cryptocurrency mining, addressing a potential concern among residents and city officials. The company’s broader goals focus on investments in oil, gas, and lithium mining, but they have also expanded into areas like battery storage, water, and carbon capture technologies. This data center project could play a role in supporting the company’s diversified energy strategy.
City Council’s Upcoming Vote on the Project
The Fort Worth city council is set to vote on the proposed development later this week. City staff have recommended approval of the rezoning request, albeit with conditions, while the planning commission’s vote has paved the way for the project to move forward. If approved, the data center could be a significant addition to the area, providing a new resource for digital infrastructure and potentially supporting various industries in the region.
About Black Mountain Energy
Founded in 2007, Black Mountain Energy is a company primarily focused on investments in oil and gas, along with lithium mining. In recent years, the company has also ventured into alternative energy solutions, including battery storage, carbon capture, and water-related projects. Black Mountain has previously deployed flare-gas cryptocurrency mining operations in Australia, demonstrating its interest in leveraging energy infrastructure for innovative purposes.
FAQ Section
1. What is the purpose of Black Mountain’s rezoning request in Fort Worth?
Black Mountain seeks to change the zoning of 141 acres in the Forest Hill area to allow for the construction of a data center. The company has emphasized that the facility will not be used for cryptocurrency mining.
2. How will the proposed data center impact the Fort Worth area?
While details are scarce, the new data center could contribute to Fort Worth’s growing tech and digital infrastructure, supporting industries in need of reliable computing power and storage solutions.
3. What other projects has Black Mountain Energy been involved with?
Black Mountain Energy has previously focused on oil and gas investments, but it has also expanded into lithium mining, battery storage, water projects, and carbon capture technologies.
4. When will the Fort Worth city council vote on the rezoning proposal?
The Fort Worth city council is expected to vote on the rezoning proposal later this week, with a recommendation for approval from the planning commission and city staff.
5. Is Black Mountain planning to use the data center for cryptocurrency mining?
No, Black Mountain has explicitly stated that the proposed data center will not be used for cryptocurrency mining, despite the company’s previous involvement in flare-gas crypto mining in Australia.
