PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
103 RAILROAD STREET … The targeted location for the proposed AI Data Center and AG Operation.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Village of Stryker held their meeting on Monday, June 17th. The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The village had a visitor to discuss a proposed initiative for a location in Stryker that entails the establishment of an artificial intelligence (AI) data center in conjunction with a hydroponic agricultural facility.
The endeavor envisions the installation of computer banks for processing AI data within two buildings situated at 103 Railroad St., formerly the site of the Ohio Timberland Products (OTP) company, near the intersection of Horton Street and Ohio 191.
The thermal energy produced by the data center’s computing systems will be harnessed to facilitate the cultivation of indoor hydroponic vegetables, devoid of traditional soil-based methods. Project manager Daniel Wang presented this proposition to the Stryker Council on Monday.
“Agricultural requires heat, which can be generated from the AI data center,” articulated Wang. He anticipates the commencement of operations within six months, contingent upon regulatory sanction and material procurement.
Wang also aspires to secure contracts for hosting data from Amazon and other technology firms, in addition to distributing the vegetables primarily to local users and vendors.
The company involved is Future Tech Inc. which is a subsidiary of the California-based Nature’s Miracle, all the processes would be computer-controlled and there is an anticipation of hiring around 25 people in the initial startup process.
Alongside Wang was Al Blackwood, one of the project consultants, and Mike Burkholder, a Stryker native and owner of the two buildings and land being targeted for this project.
Burkholder has clarified that the site is available for lease, not for sale. He further noted that an agreement between himself and Wang entails Wang’s commitment to contributing to the community post-project launch in a manner to be defined at a later stage.
Wang and Blackwood have approximated the initial project investment to be in the region of $20 million, primarily allocated to the data center’s operational costs.
Wang emphasized that the primary challenge lies in securing a reliable electric power supply from Toledo Edison and in acquiring additional adjacent land to facilitate future expansion near the existing site.
Wang indicated that he has secured approval from Toledo Edison for a two-megawatt power allocation, with intentions to expand the operation to potentially necessitate 20 megawatts or more once established.
As expansion progresses, one potential avenue involves acquiring approval for a dedicated electric substation, while another alternative could be a mobile substation.
The Village of Stryker currently consumes approximately two megawatts of power per day from Toledo Edison.
Neither council members nor village staff have voiced any apprehensions regarding potential adverse impacts on the village’s electricity supply resulting from the new project.
Blackwood indicated that the selection of the Stryker site was based on its proximity to Northwest State Community College and the strong work ethic characteristic of rural labor forces.
Wang highlighted that Ohio holds a competitive edge over other states owing to its deregulated electricity market, facilitating a highly competitive power pricing structure.
During the discussion, council member Vicki Cameron inquired about the Stryker project and was informed that the company overseeing the project has a comparable undertaking in Norwalk.
It was clarified that the company has already mitigated potential issues surrounding ambient noise at the Norwalk site.
With no other questions for Mr. Wang and nothing else left to discuss council adjourned. The next regular meeting is July 15th at 6:00 p.m.