Compute North, which claims to be the leader in sustainable, large-scale computing infrastructure, has announced that construction is underway “to build a 300MW TIER 0™ data center next to the Wolf Hollow Generating Station in Granbury, Texas.”
As covered, Compute North works with clients in the blockchain/DLT, cryptocurrency mining, and distributed computing sectors to provide “highly scalable” digital infrastructure and deliver the “most sustainable and cost-effective computing solutions.”
Compute North’s modular infrastructure will be “scalable up to 600MW and co-located directly at the source, providing grid-balancing services to the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).”
Compute North’s TIER 0 data center curtailment option “provides the data center the ability to respond quickly during times of peak demand that stress the grid.”
As noted in an update shared with CI, these demand response capabilities will “support rapid curtailment of its energy use, reducing the risk of brownouts and blackouts for consumers and allowing power to be available for mission-critical customers, such as hospitals.”
Dave Perrill, CEO and Co-Founder at Compute North, stated:
“Compute North is excited to see construction moving forward on our latest facility. We are developing the next generation of data centers meeting the unprecedented needs of next-generation technology at a time when the demand for energy efficiency and stabilizing the energy grid has never been higher. We are committed to continued innovation to support timely demand response solutions, and we work closely with our energy partners to support local energy dynamics.”
Recognized as one of the “cleanest” combined cycle natural gas-fueled facilities in the country, powering Compute North’s TIER 0™ data center at Wolf Hollow “will emit less carbon than a data center of comparable size that is directly grid-connected.”
Compute North’s modular containers “will be co-located at the Wolf Hollow plant through a unique behind-the-meter approach, bringing the load directly to the source.”
The interconnection will “provide ERCOT with a consistent yet interruptible load profile for curtailment services without increasing the price of electricity for Texas customers.”
Granbury’s City Manager, Chris Coffman remarked:
“Granbury is excited to have a new employer in the neighborhood. Not only will Compute North bring quality jobs to our area, but they also bring an engaged corporate partner by supporting existing non-profits and being part of the community.”
The company plans “to hire approximately 30 skilled positions for the facility as it scales to 300MW.”
In alignment with Compute North’s ESG mission, the company is developing “a community engagement and social impact approach focused on extending the future-facing resources and opportunities their data centers generate in the digital asset, transitional energy, and distributed computing sectors into the communities where they operate.”
James Vaughan, Pastor at Brazos River Baptist Church, commented:
“It is so refreshing for me to witness first-hand how Compute North took time to notice the apparent needs in the community, secured funding, and took action.”
Vaughan’s congregation partnered with Compute North at the onset of the Wolf Hollow site development process “to support the wellbeing and prosperity of the community.”
Future collaboration between Compute North and Hood County-Granbury leaders “will center around supporting essential needs in the surrounding community and strengthening educational and vocational pathways in technology.”
This announcement follows the company’s “close of $385 million in strategic funding to expand its TIER 0™ computing infrastructure to sites across the nation.”