A 200-acre data center project, known as "Project Azalea", has received the green light for construction in McDuffie County, Georgia. Local authorities approved the development, which is estimated to cost $1 billion, during a vote that concluded 4-1 in favor of moving forward.
The sprawling campus, to be located on Randall Hunt Road in Thomson, is expected to bring significant economic benefits, including an estimated $25 million in annual local tax revenue, according to city officials. The site will feature six data center buildings and will consume approximately 400 megawatts (MW) of energy provided by Jefferson Energy.
Despite the approval, energy supply challenges remain. A report by the Central Savannah River Area Regional Commission stated, "Sufficient energy supply is not available to serve this project." The report further noted that studies are currently underway with GA Power, Georgia Transmission Corporation, and the EMC to determine the upgrades needed to meet the project’s energy demands. Additionally, the campus will include its own substation and backup generators to ensure energy reliability.
The project received a recommendation for approval from the county’s Planning Commission earlier this month, and construction could be completed as early as 2029, according to a Development of Regional Impact application filed in January.
Project Azalea is linked to Project Turbo LLC, a company that previously withdrew plans for a similar 145-acre data center in Gainesville, Hall County, another location in the Atlanta area.
McDuffie County, located west of Augusta near Georgia's border with South Carolina, is set to host this major infrastructure project, which aims to enhance technological capabilities in the region. As plans progress, energy solutions and infrastructure upgrades will be crucial to ensuring the project’s success.
