Energy Storage Solutions: Tarboro, NC

Plans for a large natural gas-powered data center campus in Tarboro, Edgecombe County, North Carolina, were ultimately rejected by the Tarboro Town Council. The proposal, submitted by Energy Storage Solutions LLC, involved developing a facility on 52 acres on the south side of Anaconda Road. The scope was substantial, planning for four 25MW and four 50MW “mobile” data centers, supported by on-site, behind-the-meter natural gas generation from Piedmont Natural Gas and a large 250MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The company had estimated the total investment across eight phases would reach $6.4 billion.

Despite the significant investment promise, the proposal faced local opposition, including a Change.org petition, and ultimately failed to gain the necessary approval. The Town Council initially tabled the discussion to gather more information and then officially rejected the special-use permit request. Council members indicated that they had not completed sufficient research to make an informed decision on the complex project, which drew concerns from the community about its potential impact on the "serene environment, character, and community cohesion" of Tarboro.

• Update: Following the official rejection of the special-use permit, Energy Storage Solutions LLC has filed an appeal. The developer is seeking to overturn the town’s decision, arguing that the project meets all technical and zoning requirements and should be allowed to proceed.