Large Data Center Development in Tri-Cities

planned

Proposals for large and mega-scale data centers in the Tri-Cities area face significant challenges due to power supply limitations. The area relies on low-cost federal hydropower from BPA, but new large loads over 10 megawatts cannot be served with this preference power. Additionally, Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act requires 80% carbon-free electricity by 2030, complicating the supply for always-on data centers. Backup power must be mostly non-hydro, with limited natural gas usage, making reliable supply difficult. The situation contrasts with other regions like Oregon and the Mid-C counties in Washington, which have different regulatory and resource conditions. Overall, large data center development in the Tri-Cities is currently difficult and speculative.