Wheatland, N.D. – On Tuesday evening, Cass County residents met at the local community center to hear details about the proposed Harmony Energy Park, a 640‑acre data center development planned by Geronimo Power in Harmony Township. The meeting came as the township prepares to place a 24‑month zoning moratorium on new solar, wind and data‑center facilities on the ballot for a vote on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
Project overview
Geronimo Power’s Harmony Energy Park would consist of two main data‑center buildings located off 32nd Street Southeast and 160th Avenue Southeast. The company says the structures will be set at least one mile from any home, and roughly 80 % of the 640‑acre site is slated to remain green space. “We’re asking the community to engage with us and tell us what you want us to do with the other 80 % – trees, grass, or other uses,” said Blake Nixon, CEO and President of Geronimo Power.
Community concerns and support
Residents voiced a mix of curiosity and caution. “When something new comes to town, change is concerning. Everybody wants to know what this thing is, why it’s here, and how it will impact me and my community,” Nixon explained, noting the proximity of the proposed site – about ten miles from Wheatland – and its placement within a largely rural farmland setting.
Local farmer Nathan Faleide expressed a balanced view: “I’m not against it coming in, it just needs to come in properly. Just like any other business, manufacturing, elevator, you name it, we should be cognizant of how we affect the community, too.” He emphasized the need for responsible development that respects the agricultural character of the area.
Economic opportunity
Geronimo Power highlighted the economic benefits of the project, noting that data‑center operators have become its largest customers over the past five to six years. “We saw an opportunity to bring an even bigger, more powerful economic opportunity to this region,” Nixon said.
Next steps for residents
The upcoming public hearing on Oct. 22 will allow voters to decide whether to impose the zoning moratorium. In addition, the Challey Institute will host a free forum on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Oceti Sakowin Ballroom at NDSU’s Memorial Union to discuss the potential impact of data‑center growth on North Dakota’s power grid, rates, and local communities. Interested residents can find more information through the provided link.
What to watch
Key factors for voters will include the balance between economic development and preserving the rural landscape, as well as the long‑term effects on the state’s energy infrastructure. The decision on the moratorium will shape the future of data‑center expansion in Cass County and could set a precedent for similar projects across the state.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
