According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, A $17 billion proposal to construct 13 data centers in Coweta County has surfaced, highlighting the rapid expansion and land speculation transforming south metro Atlanta. This ambitious project, submitted as “Project Sail” by Atlas Development LLC, would significantly reshape the area near Newnan, underscoring the region’s increasing role in the data economy.
According to plans submitted to Coweta County, the 13 data centers could consume up to 72 megawatts of power each—potentially surpassing the electricity demands of all the county’s households combined. Each facility would span 378,000 square feet, bringing the project’s total footprint to nearly 5 million square feet—larger than the Georgia World Congress Center.
The project site is situated off U.S. 27, bordered by Wagers Mill and Welcome Sargent roads, and lies along a transmission line near Georgia Power’s Plant Yates. Jonathon Ward of Atlas Development highlighted the site’s strategic importance, noting, “It was just a good spot for power reasons.”
Economic and Infrastructure Impact
Coweta County officials estimate the development could generate $1.6 billion in annual tax revenue. However, the project faces significant challenges, including rezoning over 800 acres of rural land for light industrial use and addressing infrastructure needs such as water supply, wastewater disposal, and electricity demand.
The project is part of a broader trend in Georgia, where tax incentives have spurred data center developments. However, observers caution that these projects often strain local resources and may not all come to fruition. Despite their size and investment, data centers typically offer few permanent jobs while demanding extensive power and water resources.
Neighboring Fayette County and Regional Context
In neighboring Fayette County, QTS recently constructed a data center, further reinforcing the region’s appeal for such developments. With metro Atlanta’s growth as a data hub, these centers play a critical role in supporting increasing digital reliance, particularly with the rise of generative AI.
While data centers promise a strong tax base, the pressure on the electric grid and water resources raises concerns about sustainable development. A filing with Georgia’s Developments of Regional Impact program suggests that Atlas’ Coweta County project could be completed by 2036, depending on how the challenges are addressed.
The Citizen
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