Iloilo folk question planned AI data center as proponent walks out

OTON, Iloilo — The proponent of a proposed P20.3-billion hyperscale AI data center walked out of a public consultation Friday after residents questioned the project’s water use and cooling system, putting the project’s future in doubt.

Daniel Stefan Robertsen, project owner and principal sponsor of the proposed WS Hyperscale AI Campus, left the meeting in Barangay Abilay Sur after residents pressed him for details on the facility’s water requirements, cooling technology and possible environmental impact.

“If you don’t want it, I don’t want it either. I’m not forcing somebody. If you don’t want it, let’s stop the discussion now,” Robertsen said.

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The proposed 50-megawatt facility would initially operate at 10 MW before expanding to full capacity. Its feasibility report places the project cost at US$330 million, or about P20.3 billion.

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The Norway Green Energy is listed as the project’s lead technical developer

Robertsen said the cooling system would recycle water but could use about 500 cubic meters daily at 10-MW capacity. The project is proposed on an 8.19-hectare site in Barangay Abilay Sur.

Oton Vice Mayor Jose Neil Olivares said the Sangguniang Bayan has yet to endorse or approve the project, which remains under consultation and committee review.

Following Robertsen’s walkout, Olivares said the council could prepare a committee report and consider archiving the proposal, although it remains unclear whether the project owner will formally withdraw the project. /gsg