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Assembly weighs proposal for small ‘edge’ data center that would use a 2 MW transformer
Summary
Residents and utility officials debated a proposal to deploy a 1–2 megawatt “edge” data center in Petersburg using an existing 2 MW transformer. Supporters say a steady customer could lower rates; opponents raised concerns about capacity in low-water years, battery fire safety and public notice.
PETERSBURG, Alaska — The Petersburg Borough Assembly spent the bulk of its April 20 meeting examining a private proposal to place a small-scale data center in town, focusing on power capacity, public-safety safeguards and long-term effects on local electric rates.
Utility Director Heggerman told the assembly the project is a private deal between a landowner and Greenspark that would use an existing 2-megawatt transformer on shore. “This is a small-scale data center — it will fit in this room,” Heggerman said, describing a plan starting at about one megawatt with potential buildout to two megawatts.
The proposal drew both supporters and skeptics from the public. Samoka, founder and CEO of Greenspark, said the company looks for places with unused electricity and works with utilities. “We focus on finding communities where there is stranded energy,” Samoka said, and proposed a model…
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