In a bold move to revitalize Southwest Virginia, Will Payne and Will Clear, former state energy office bureaucrats turned private consultants, are spearheading an ambitious project to transform 65,000 acres of former coal mine lands into sites for clean energy innovation. This initiative, known as Data Center Ridge, is part of the Energy DELTA Lab, a nonprofit venture aimed at repurposing land and supporting local communities economically. With the endorsement of Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, the project seeks to attract technology companies to build solar-powered data centers, thereby increasing local tax revenue and creating jobs.
Similar initiatives have been launched in the past, with varying degrees of success. Previous efforts focused on small-scale renewable energy projects and community development programs, often struggling with funding and long-term sustainability. Data Center Ridge, however, represents a more comprehensive approach by integrating multiple renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and potentially small nuclear reactors. This multi-faceted strategy aims to make the project more viable and appealing to investors and developers.
Furthermore, past projects often lacked significant governmental support, whereas Data Center Ridge benefits from formal agreements and frameworks established by Governor Youngkin. This political backing could play a crucial role in overcoming regulatory hurdles and attracting private investments. While earlier endeavors focused primarily on local benefits, this project aims for broader regional impact, potentially setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other post-coal communities.
Support from State Authorities
The project has garnered substantial backing from state authorities, with Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy, emphasizing its potential to fill the power void left by the coal industry. Many data center companies are now seeking sites that offer 100% clean energy, making Data Center Ridge an attractive option. Davis highlighted the dual benefits of the project: generating new clean power to support the state’s growing data center sector and revitalizing a region historically reliant on coal.
“Southwest Virginia was the energy capital of the East Coast and I believe it will be again,” Davis said. “There’s a power void that needs to be filled and solar is part of that.”
The project also aligns with Governor Youngkin’s broader energy plan, which aims to attract a mix of private and public investments into renewable energy technologies like wind, hydrogen, and large-scale batteries. This comprehensive approach is designed to diversify the state’s energy portfolio and create jobs, even if the benefits do not directly contribute to the Virginia Clean Economy Act’s targets due to different service areas.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the promising outlook, the initiative faces several challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure. Access to a reliable electric grid and substantial fiber optic cable for communications are critical factors that need addressing. David Porter from the Electric Power Research Institute pointed out potential hurdles like the need for backup power and the limited job creation compared to manufacturing centers. However, Payne and Clear remain optimistic, citing the long-term economic benefits and the sustainable development model as key advantages.
“These data centers could be a really neat idea if they can work around a lot of potential hurdles,” Porter commented.
Additionally, the project aims to leverage underground mine water for cooling data centers, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. The water, filtered through limestone and sandstone, provides a natural cooling mechanism that could significantly reduce operational costs for data centers. Payne and Clear have already secured a federal grant to study this water supply, collaborating with engineers to develop a closed-loop system for sustainable water use.
The ongoing collaboration with Kentucky Utilities to upgrade and expand necessary infrastructure also highlights the concerted effort to ensure the project’s feasibility. The aim is to create a win-win situation where excess electricity can be exported, and deficit periods can be covered through grid connections. This integrated approach is essential for making the project viable and sustainable in the long term.
Ultimately, the success of Data Center Ridge hinges on overcoming the preconceived notions about Appalachia and attracting developers willing to invest in this transformative vision. The project not only promises economic revitalization but also positions Southwest Virginia as a potential leader in clean energy innovation.
