$20B Data Center Proposed Near Chicago Faces Final Vote

A proposal to establish the $20 billion Joliet Technology Center outside Chicago was endorsed by the local Joliet planning commission this week. The project is to be developed on a 795-acre site, featuring 24 structures, each having 144,500 sq ft of data center space, which will be executed in four phases. The project boasts an expected capacity of up to 1.8 gigawatts (GW) and will be funded without economic incentives, generating significant property and utility taxes over three decades.

The anticipated development of the Joliet Technology Center represents a significant step in enhancing regional data infrastructure amidst rising demands. With robust capacity and local tax implications, this center could strengthen the local economy. However, residents have expressed opposition, and the final decision is pending the Joliet City Council's vote on March 16. This development is crucial for reinforcing the national computing infrastructure while maintaining local economic interests without increasing dependency on external resources.