Rowan Digital Infrastructure has secured planning commission approval for two additional data center projects—Bauxite II and Bauxite III—at Quantum Loophole’s site in Frederick County, Maryland. These facilities will complement Rowan’s existing data center, Bauxite I, reinforcing the company’s presence in the area.
The Frederick County Planning Commission unanimously approved Bauxite II (6-0-0) and approved Bauxite III with a 5-0-1 vote (one abstention).
Details of the Approved Projects
Specifications of Bauxite II and Bauxite III
- Bauxite II:
- Size: 822,620 sq ft (76,400 sqm)
- Location: 111.5-acre site adjacent to Bauxite I
- Bauxite III:
- Size: 591,913 sq ft (54,990 sqm)
- Location: 55-acre site neighboring the existing facility
While project timelines remain undisclosed, these developments will strengthen Rowan’s infrastructure footprint within the Quantum Loophole park.
Rowan’s Existing Presence: Bauxite I
Rowan broke ground on its first data center, Bauxite I, earlier this year. This 300MW facility includes four single-story buildings spanning 777,150 sq ft (72,200 sqm).
Economic Impact of the Projects
The approved projects are anticipated to deliver significant financial benefits:
- County Revenue: $19 million in annual tax contributions.
- State Revenue: $57 million annually during the construction phase.
Tim Alborg, Rowan’s director of government and community affairs, highlighted the collaborative nature of the planning process:
“We are pleased that the planning commission agreed with county staff and approved our applications today. These decisions are just one important milestone within a comprehensive public process that has spanned over a year.”
Strategic Location at Quantum Loophole’s Campus
Quantum Loophole’s Vision for Frederick County
Quantum Loophole is transforming a 2,100-acre property, previously the Alcoa Eastalco Works aluminum smelting site, into a data center park. The company, led by industry veteran Josh Snowhorn, is backed by TPG Real Estate Partners.
Frederick County has emerged as a growing hub for data centers, driven by infrastructure-friendly regulations. However, new local legislation may restrict future developments by limiting their permissible locations.
Previous Challenges Faced by Other Operators
Aligned Data initially planned a 264MW facility at Quantum Loophole’s campus but withdrew due to generator restrictions. Regulatory amendments earlier this year enabled Aligned to resume its project, signaling increased flexibility for data center operators in the area.
Rowan’s Broader Expansion Plans
Rowan Digital Infrastructure, established in 2021 by Quinbrook and Birch Infrastructure, is scaling its operations nationally:
- Temple, Texas: A 300MW data center campus under development.
- Oregon: A four-building data center campus in progress.
Recent leadership changes saw Charley Daitch succeed John Lucas as Rowan’s CEO, ensuring strategic alignment across its expanding portfolio.
FAQ Section
- What is the size of Rowan’s data center projects in Maryland?
Bauxite II spans 822,620 sq ft, while Bauxite III covers 591,913 sq ft, totaling over 1.4 million sq ft of data center space. - What economic benefits will these projects bring?
They are expected to generate $19 million annually for Frederick County and $57 million annually for Maryland during construction. - Where are Rowan’s other facilities located?
Rowan is developing campuses in Texas and Oregon alongside its Maryland operations. - Why is Frederick County attractive for data centers?
The county offers robust infrastructure and access to Quantum Loophole’s visionary development, although new regulations may limit future projects. - What challenges do data center operators face in Maryland?
Restrictions on diesel generator deployment and recent zoning legislation are notable hurdles for operators in the region.
