The map of the Adamstown data center and associated laid fiber that would cross the river to established data centers in Northern VA
Update: The PSC Chair responds to disappointment on the part of Governor Moore and others that the Commission held Aligned to the laws governing this kind of development.
Simply put - 70 MW of backup power is the permissible amount where Aligned claimed they needed around 500MW of backup power. This law is in place to prevent increased emissions in more frequent times of power outages.
Simply put - 70 MW of backup power is the permissible amount where Aligned claimed they needed around 500MW of backup power. This law is in place to prevent increased emissions in more frequent times of power outages.
The Frederick News Post is reporting that having not gotten approval for 168 diesel generators they needed to complete construction of their data center project, Aligned is pulling the plug on the Quantum Loophole project in Adamstown.
Reads in Part:
"Executive Jessica Fitzwater, said Aligned’s decision “demonstrates the State’s regulatory framework is a barrier to companies investing here.”
Commission spokesperson Tori Leonard said on Wednesday that the commission operated under its legal authority and stands by its order.
“As noted in the Commission’s October 10 Order ... the Commission takes seriously its statutory obligation to consider the impact of its decisions on the climate of our state, and rejected ... [Aligned’s] request to not consider the total capacity of its backup diesel generators,” Leonard wrote in an emailed statement."
Aligned letter of withdrawal
MCA was proud to partner with Clean Water Action and a coalition of other state wide groups to oppose the granting of an exception that would have allowed these generators.
One wonders how this development will impact the Terra Energy proposal for 20 data centers along the Potomac in Dickerson.
Background:
Sugarloaf Alliance has been ably documenting the Quantum Loophole proposal and multiple environmental infractions as tunnels were dug for fiber cables.
MCA coverage: Take Action: Developers Looking to Turn Frederick Farmland into Huge Data Center - Bore Under Potomac in 3 Places
