Streamlined Planning, Fast Track Permitting, Energy Attract Hyperscalers to New Albany

The same powerful combination of factors — streamlined planning, fast track permitting and abundant, affordable, renewable energy — that attracted “hyperscalers” like Google, Facebook and AWS, is expected to drive increased investment in New Albany’s Information Technology cluster in 2021. 

A recent Bisnow article singles out New Albany as one of the cities with sites that show “a very clear nexus between power generation and delivery of power.” Among the advantages are technology- and shovel-ready sites that are pre-zoned for the highly specialized needs of data centers; reliable, redundant, triple feed electric; and robust, high-speed fiber optics with ample bandwidth and access to hundreds of carriers.

AEP’s presence in New Albany, including a mission critical facility for a 12-state region, helps fuel growth. AEP’s 765,000-volt transmission system, the largest in the country, runs through the city, providing uninterrupted power from a number of transmission lines and substations. Now, AEP Renewables is providing another attractive incentive to data centers by purchasing solar and wind projects to enable customers to decrease their carbon footprint. A recent purchase agreement between Google and AEP will generate 100 megawatts from wind and solar energy.  

“New Albany offers a master-planned business park with technology- and shovel-ready sites pre-zoned for the highly-specialized needs of data centers,” says Jennifer Chrysler, director of community development. “We match that with a collaborative, pro-business approach that provides a predictable, cohesive path to development and saves time and money.” 

New Albany receives high marks from IT executives and site selection consultants for its responsive approach and commitment to seeing businesses and employees thrive. Its success at removing roadblocks and barriers as well as the close working relationships between the development staff, planning commission, council, businesses and developers meets data centers’ need for speed in scaling up operations to respond to ever-growing demand.  VIEW VIDEO