A new data center campus is in the works for Van Wert, Ohio, a city that’s becoming a key player in the growing data center industry. This development is set to occupy a 220-acre portion of the 1,500-acre Mega Site, a strategic location in the region. The deal, still in the process of finalization, promises to bring significant investment and infrastructure to the area.
Mystery Company Set to Acquire the 220-Acre Parcel
The identity of the company behind the data center project has not been disclosed. According to Brent Stevens, executive director of the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, the negotiations are ongoing, and the unnamed company aims to finalize the deal and commence construction as soon as possible. The project could take up to 360 days to close, though efforts to speed up the process are underway.
Data Center Specifications and Requirements
The proposed data center will have substantial infrastructure needs. It is projected to require up to 1.7 million gallons of water per day for cooling purposes, a critical factor for high-performance facilities. Additionally, the facility will need a steady supply of 500 megawatts of electricity, a resource that AEP Ohio is currently in discussions to provide. Other technical specifications have yet to be revealed, but the scale of the project signals a significant boost to the region’s technological infrastructure.
The Mega Site: A Strategic Location for Data Centers
The Mega Site in Van Wert, owned by the Marsh Foundation, has become a focal point for industrial development. Situated between Highway 30, Gilliland Road, and Marsh Road, the site offers a prime location for large-scale projects, including data centers. The land is available for sale or lease at approximately $51,000 per acre, with smaller parcels catering to various types of tenants.
Infrastructure Investment: New Connector Road
As part of the agreement, the data center developer will be required to construct a connector road linking Stripe Road and Mendon Road. This investment in local infrastructure underscores the region’s commitment to supporting the growth of high-tech industries like data centers.
Ohio’s Growing Data Center Hub: Is Microsoft Behind the New Proposal?
Ohio is rapidly becoming a major hub for data center operators, with many of the largest players establishing a presence in the state capital of Columbus. Companies like Google, AWS, Microsoft, Meta, and others are already contributing to the state’s booming data center industry. The new project in Van Wert adds to Ohio’s growing appeal for tech giants.
In fact, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has committed to a massive investment of $7.8 billion in Ohio by the end of 2029-2030. This includes plans for a $2 billion data center campus in Sunbury, Central Ohio, which will significantly enhance the state’s digital infrastructure.
Potential Connection to Microsoft’s Previous Exploration in Lima, Ohio
Earlier reports indicated that Microsoft had been exploring the development of a data center campus in Lima, Ohio, about 30 miles from Van Wert. Although Microsoft backed out of a potential project in Perry Township last October, the company’s ongoing interest in Ohio suggests that it could still be involved in this new proposal, though no official confirmation has been made.
Van Wert’s Role in Ohio’s Data Center Landscape
This proposed data center marks a significant step for Van Wert as it strives to capitalize on Ohio’s booming tech industry. The region’s competitive land prices, combined with the state’s growing energy infrastructure, make it an attractive destination for data center investment.
FAQ Section
1. What is the Van Wert Mega Site?
The Van Wert Mega Site is a 1,500-acre industrial property located in Van Wert County, Ohio. It is being developed for various industrial and high-tech uses, including data centers, with a portion of it being sold to companies like the one behind the new data center campus.
2. What are the expected energy needs of the Van Wert data center?
The proposed data center is expected to require 500 megawatts of electricity, which will be provided by AEP Ohio. This power will support the large-scale operations of the facility, which include heavy energy consumption for computing and cooling needs.
3. How much water will the data center consume daily?
The data center will need up to 1.7 million gallons of water per day to manage its cooling processes, a significant requirement for facilities of this size and scale.
4. Why is Ohio becoming a hotspot for data centers?
Ohio offers a combination of competitive land prices, proximity to major markets, and a reliable power grid, making it an attractive location for data centers. Major tech companies like Google, AWS, and Microsoft have already invested heavily in the region.
5. What is the role of infrastructure development in the project?
As part of the development agreement, the data center company will build a new connector road linking Stripe Road to Mendon Road, enhancing local access and infrastructure to support the project’s operational needs.