Data center project promises rate relief amid public concerns over noise, power

A proposed cryptocurrency data center in Petersburg could stabilize electric rates and generate $2 million annually for the utility. Residents questioned Monday whether the project would limit power for future growth and create noise problems.

The Greensparc data center would occupy the former Ocean Beauty cannery site and consume 17 million kilowatt-hours annually at full capacity. The project would use an existing 2-megawatt transformer at the property.

Petersburg Municipal Power and Light Director Carl Hagerman told the borough assembly Monday that the project requires no borough infrastructure investment. He said ample power is available with a third Southeast Alaska Power Agency turbine planned for completion at Tyee Lake in 2027.

Residents raised concerns about noise levels, fire safety of lithium batteries, power availability during low-water years, and impact on future housing development. One resident asked what happens when the utility is restricted by low water. Another questioned where power would come from if the third turbine is already committed to the data center and the borough is developing additional homes.

Hagerman said the data center would be much quieter than the five freezer vans that previously operated at the cannery site. Sound levels would reach about 60 decibels outside the building, comparable to normal conversation. The facility would use lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are safer than lithium-ion batteries and include self-contained fire suppression systems. The project would need only about 1,500 to 2,000 square feet of space and minimal water and sewer use.

Andrew Mazzella, CEO of Mazzella Alaska, said the project would use hydropower with zero emissions. He said his company already pays about $5,000 per month for electric and utilities across his Petersburg properties.

Sam Inoka, CEO of Greensparc, said the company looks for communities where stranded energy is available so no utility or community investment is required. Greensparc would be willing to curtail operations during peak demand periods or pay diesel surcharges to avoid burdening existing customers, he said. Those provisions would be handled through a large commercial sales agreement between the utility and Greensparc.

The company would use a closed-loop cooling system with predominantly water and possibly an antifreeze-type agent. The system would require minimal water use and only occasional topping up, Inoka said.

Joshua Adams, speaking for himself and with the Planning Commission, supported the project as a way to diversify Petersburg's economy beyond fishing. Adams said the data center would produce heat that could be integrated with public infrastructure for district heating, similar to systems in Helsinki.