A new data center proposed for west Saint John is unlikely to strain the city’s industrial water supply, as stated in the registration document submitted for the environmental impact assessment. The data center, which includes a natural-gas power plant, is expected to have a power requirement of 390 megawatts, making it a significant consumer of energy. Despite efforts to reduce water consumption through a closed-loop cooling system, the facility is projected to be one of the top greenhouse gas emitters in the province.
The companies behind the project, Beacon New Brunswick and VoltaGrid, anticipate a long-term agreement with an undisclosed client for up to 20 years. Data centers play a crucial role in storing vast amounts of data and supporting various online services. Concerns have been raised about the water usage of such facilities, but the initial fill for the proposed system is estimated to be relatively low at 3.5 million liters, compared to other industrial users in the area.
Mayor Donna Reardon emphasized that the closed-loop system will efficiently manage water consumption, likening it to a household heating setup. Residents had previously expressed worries about the water demands of the data center, but VoltaGrid CEO Nathan Ough assured that the impact would be minimal. The facility’s natural-gas power plant is expected to be highly efficient, despite projecting significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Party Leader David Coon highlighted the environmental challenges posed by data centers, emphasizing the need for renewable energy sources to power such facilities. The proposed data center would require substantial power generation, with plans for a natural gas facility on-site supplying part of the energy demand. The project’s location in the Lorneville Industrial Park has faced opposition from local residents concerned about its environmental impact.
As the project progresses through the environmental impact assessment process, further reviews and consultations will take place. Construction is anticipated to commence within the year, with commercial operations targeted to begin in 2028. The data center is projected to operate for at least 25 to 30 years, highlighting the long-term implications of such developments on the environment and community.