The Glendale City Council has approved the annexation and rezoning of 160 acres for the Project Eagle data center. The site is at Litchfield Road and Olive Avenue.
The project also includes a gas-fired power plant known as Project Baccara. According to ABC15, about 108 acres will hold three data center buildings, about 33 acres will hold the gas plant, and about 12 acres will be set aside for a future APS substation. The plant is to have 18 gas turbines. AZFamily, citing information from the city of Surprise, reports a different configuration: two buildings and about 700 megawatts of capacity from gas generators. The sources therefore differ on the number of buildings.
The investment is valued at $36 billion. Glendale development director Randy Huggins said the project is expected to create about 200 permanent jobs and bring the city more than $150 million in revenue over 10 years.
The land was previously within county boundaries, and Tuesday’s vote brought it into Glendale. Local media report that council members voted 6-1. The resolution requires the developer to meet standards set by Luke Air Force Base, including limiting emissions from the gas turbines and ensuring the facility does not impair pilots’ visibility. Before work begins, the developer must also help fund a new traffic signal and enter into an agreement to fund specialized hazardous materials services and the fire department.
The decision came after months of debate. Some residents are concerned about water use, noise, air quality and safety, and point to the proximity of homes and Luke Air Force Base. Project representatives say that water and wastewater services will be provided by EPCOR, not the city of Glendale. The developers, Takanock and Montera Infrastructure, say they will use EPA-approved technologies intended to limit emissions.
Councilwoman Lauren Tolmachoff said data centers are needed because of the growth of artificial intelligence. Earlier, in May, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved a permit related to compatibility with military operations.
Source: AZFamily
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