South Carolinians are split on the federal government’s desire to build a data center at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, with supporters focusing on jobs and technological advances, and detractors expressing concerns about potential environmental impacts.
On July 20, DOE’s semiautonomous National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced that it tasked Amentum with securing a phased lease for developing the center at the 310-square-mile site near Aiken, S.C.
State Rep. Charlie Hartz, a Republican that represents Aiken, said he’s been following discussions since last year when DOE first announced its plans to build at one of its sites. An Aiken resident of 25 years, Hartz said he knows how important SRS is to not only South Carolina, but to Georgia, which also borders the site.
“SRS has always served our nation well. Getting a data center here, in a place that’s secure and will produce power, is a great investment for South Carolina and potentially one of the largest economic projects in state history.”
Hartz added the potential for more jobs is a welcomed opportunity for the area. While SRS has been focused on liquid waste cleanup for the last several years, programs like the data center and plutonium pit production ensure the site will be a major employer and national asset for years to come.
Will Williams, president of the Western SC Economic Development Partnership, agreed. A fellow site advocate, Williams has spent 25 years in economic development, which has included public-private partnerships between SRS and community businesses and organizations. To that end, Williams said the data center can leverage the assets of SRS while strengthening America’s digital and energy infrastructure.
“It will also help attract additional technology and advanced manufacturing investment to our region and South Carolina as a whole,” he said.
At the same time, various environmental watchdogs are concerned that data centers can impact electricity costs, as well as the motives behind them. SRS Watch Director Tom Clements questioned if the “on-the-ground need” for public and electric utilities is being considered, and if the centers fit into that equation.
Clements added, “Running a large gas pipeline from Georgia will face significant challenges, as would construction of any nuclear power facility that may now only exist as a concept.”
Ben Cunningham, a senior attorney with the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, said there are significant concerns about water usage, noise, and air pollution. Cunningham said, personally, he also believes the proposed, initial use of natural gas to power the data center raises environmental questions.
“In addition, providing this type of nuclear material to private entities raises proliferation concerns,” Cunningham said. “It is unclear whether any environmental assessments have been conducted regarding this proposal, or if any NEPA review will take place. Perhaps more information will be revealed soon that allays or addresses these concerns but until that occurs, this proposal is alarming.”
Data centers continue to grow in controversy, with lawsuits in New Jersey, Mississippi, and Minnesota, to name a few. Asked if the same may happen in South Carolina, Clements said it’s too early to tell.
“Growing public concern in South Carolina about data centers will decide that situation,” he said. For sure, groups that regularly intervene before the Public Service Commission will be involved at that level.”