Grist: “A solution to data center backlash? Put them in oil fields.” A new project in California’s oil country could dodge national controversies over energy + water usage + noise/light pollution. “Most Americans loathe data centers…recent polling found that Democrats and Republicans alike would oppose having one in their neighborhood, and hundreds of communities across the country have fought against them, citing fears about noise, water contamination, and energy bills.” In just the past month, policymakers in New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Utah have proposed limits on the facilities.
A project unveiled this week in California’s Central Valley suggests a potential alternative. “California Resources Corporation, the state’s largest oil company, wants to build a 600,000-square-foot data center campus in the Elk Hills oil field about two hours north of Los Angeles.” Hopes to avoid the nationwide backlash from communities that have watched the outfits developing these sprawling operations swallow up farmland or install diesel generators near residential neighborhoods.
“More developers are proposing to build data centers in or near active oil and gas fields, which tend to sit far from densely populated areas and boast ready access to power.” These projects are seen as a way of juicing revenues for legacy producers, even as the California project is unfolding in a state that has been trying to phase out fossil fuels. Gotta love the contradictions here.
“By repurposing an existing industrial site, creating jobs and tax revenue in Kern County, utilizing dedicated on-site power, and employing one of the industry’s most water-efficient cooling systems, the project is designed to support California’s growing digital infrastructure needs while minimizing impacts on local communities,” said Chris Gould, the company’s chief sustainability officer and the head of its carbon capture venture.
Remember that when something sounds too good to be true—it usually is. Thus, litigation by Earthjustice + others is ramping up.
