Upper Burrell Data Center Development Faces Community Concerns and Regulatory Challenges

Upper Burrell has enacted a 180-day moratorium on new data center developments to draft zoning regulations, responding to resident concerns about the TECFusions project. Public inquiries reveal uncertainty regarding the construction details and long-term plans for the site, previously a research campus.

TECFusions, which acquired the property in 2023, plans a hyper-scale data center capable of hosting up to 3 gigawatts, utilizing a closed-loop glycol cooling system that reportedly does not require water. Residents dispute claims that the new data center's operations will mirror those of Alcoa/Arconic, raising concerns over energy usage and environmental impact.

A study indicates potential greenhouse gas emissions of 15.6 million tons annually from the planned on-site power plant. Stakeholders are apprehensive that insufficient regulation could lead to excessive noise and air pollution. The township is working to balance development with community protection, emphasizing the need for robust ordinances.