Summary:
- A North Carolina data center developer has received approval to build a massive 900 MW, 300-acre data center and energy storage campus in eastern North Carolina.
- The project is set to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and will be one of the largest in the Southeast, with plans for expansion in Fayetteville as well.
- The company will use natural gas to power the site and aims to generate surplus power to sell back to local utilities.
Article:
A groundbreaking project in North Carolina is set to revolutionize the data center industry in the Southeast. Energy Storage Solutions, led by Dan Shaffer, has secured approval to construct a massive 900 MW, 300-acre data center and energy storage campus in eastern North Carolina. This ambitious $19.2 billion project is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026 in the Kingsboro development in Tarboro, with a parallel project planned for Fayetteville.The scale of these data center campuses is unprecedented in the region, with plans for 24 phases of construction over 3-5 years. Each campus will feature more than a dozen 40,000-square-foot structures and support over 1,000 employees. Originally envisioned as smaller projects, the expansion was driven by overwhelming demand, although specific details about investors and vendors remain undisclosed.
To power these colossal facilities, Energy Storage Solutions will utilize natural gas and invest an estimated $176 million in energy infrastructure upgrades in the area. The company’s innovative approach will enable them to sell surplus power back to local utilities at a discounted rate, fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem in the region.
However, the journey to approval has not been without challenges. Earlier this year, a similar project by Energy Storage Solutions in Tarboro faced opposition from the community, resulting in a setback. Despite this, Shaffer remains optimistic about the Kingsboro project, highlighting its potential to generate $75 million in annual tax revenue for Edgecombe County.
The intersection of local zoning laws and major data center projects is a critical point raised by industry experts. Steven Dickens of HyperFrame Research emphasizes the impact of zoning regulations on hyperscalers and other entities seeking to expand data center infrastructure to meet growing demands driven by AI technologies. As data center growth becomes a national and geopolitical concern, navigating local zoning complexities is essential for successful project implementation.
In conclusion, Energy Storage Solutions’ ambitious data center projects in North Carolina represent a significant step towards technological advancement and economic growth in the region. With plans for expansion into neighboring states, Shaffer and his team are committed to addressing community concerns and fostering positive relationships as they embark on this transformative journey.
