McDuffie County Considers Proposal for Major New Data Center Development

McDuffie County Reviews Major Data Center Project Proposal

January 16, 2026

McDuffie County, Georgia, has entered a pivotal review phase for a significant new data center project, highlighting the continued expansion of digital infrastructure into secondary markets. As demand for cloud computing, AI services, and data storage surges globally, local governments in regions with available land and power capacity are increasingly fielding proposals for these capital-intensive facilities, which promise substantial tax revenue and economic development but also raise questions about resource consumption and community impact.

The proposal is currently under formal assessment by the McDuffie County Planning Commission. Following their analysis and recommendation, the final decision will rest with the elected McDuffie County Board of Commissioners. The review process, involving detailed site plans, environmental impact studies, and utility agreements, is being conducted at the county's Government Center. While specific details regarding the developer's identity and the project's exact technological focus remain undisclosed at this stage, such projects typically represent investments ranging from hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars, requiring dozens of acres of land and access to robust electrical grids often exceeding 100 megawatts of capacity.

The potential approval of this project would mark a substantial economic and infrastructural milestone for McDuffie County. Data centers are major contributors to local tax bases and can create both temporary construction jobs and permanent technical positions. However, the industry-wide scrutiny on power and water usage means any approved project will likely face requirements for sustainable design and energy efficiency. The outcome of this review will signal the county's strategic position in the competitive landscape for attracting high-tech investments, balancing growth opportunities with long-term community planning and resource management.

Source: wfxg