Learn more about data centers here! Below are answers to some of the common questions about data centers and Project Open Sky.
Project Open Sky is a proposed data center development in Piedmont just north of Oklahoma City. Currently, Cloverleaf is working through the necessary review and approvals for the project with the local jurisdiction.
Project Open Sky is being developed by Cloverleaf Infrastructure, an industrial real estate developer specializing in data centers. Cloverleaf prepares land for large technology companies that build and operate data centers — the facilities that store and process information for things like the internet, cloud services, and everyday online tools. Once sites are determined viable for development and power is confirmed, Cloverleaf will look for the right data center company to build and operate the facility.
Cloverleaf seeks to develop new projects by communicating transparently with communities and local stakeholders. Cloverleaf does not sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) with local governments and municipalities. As project plans are further confirmed, information will be shared via this project website, at voluntary community meetings, through formal submittals to the local jurisdictions, and at required public hearings. Additionally, Cloverleaf contact information is provided via this project website to answer specific questions or concerns related to the development.
Cloverleaf Infrastructure prepares land and power commitments for technology companies that build and operate data centers. While Cloverleaf leads the front end to prepare for development, ultimately, we will transfer the development to the right company to build and operate it. Before any company takes over, the local jurisdiction will have the opportunity to meet the company that plans to purchase the project and learn about how it will invest in and work with the community.
Cloverleaf’s founders helped start and grow what is now the data center industry in the United States and around the world. The leadership team includes:
Data centers are highly secure buildings filled with computer servers that store, process, and move data around the world. They are where the internet lives. Instead of information being stored on your phone or computer alone, data centers safely store it and make sure it’s available whenever you need it.
A simple, everyday example of how everyday life relies on data centers is taking a photo on a smartphone and having it automatically back up to cloud storage (like Apple iCloud or Google Photos).
While that photo feels like it is stored “in the air,” it is actually transmitted through the internet to a physical server located in a data center, where it is stored, organized, and protected so you can view it later from any device.
A few more examples:
These facilities power almost everything we do in today’s world – banking, healthcare, education, farming technology, government services and business operations all depend on them. As more homes, farms, and businesses rely on digital tools, the need for reliable data centers grows.
Data centers are built to last for decades, and the buildings themselves don’t become obsolete when technology evolves. The building, electrical systems, cooling infrastructure, and fiber connections are all designed for long-term use. As servers and computer software get faster and more efficient, operators simply replace the equipment inside the existing structure rather than tear the facility down. Because of this, data centers remain productive for decades.
Every data center operator designs their facilities differently, but most data center buildings are 400,000 to 1,000,000 square feet. Hyperscale data centers are typically set up like a campus with several data center buildings with associated supporting structures such as offices and warehouse space for storing equipment.
In the past, one of the primary drivers of high-water use in data centers has been the requirements for cooling the large structure with a lot of heat-producing computer equipment. Project Open Sky will deploy the newest data center cooling technology by utilizing a closed-loop cooling system, which requires a one-time fill and therefore uses exponentially less water than historical data centers that are sometimes a concern. Project Open Sky’s day-to-day water use will be for domestic purposes only, which includes sinks, toilets, kitchens, sprinkler systems, etc., using about as much water as a typical office building.
Project Open Sky will pay for any required water infrastructure upgrades to support the site including a new water tower if needed. These upgrades will support improved water services for nearby residents.
A closed-loop cooling system reuses the same cooling fluid repeatedly inside sealed pipes. It doesn’t mix with outside air, which means nothing from the outside – like dust or contaminants – can get in. This helps keep the system clean, reliable, and efficient.
The equipment works a lot like the heating and cooling system in a home, just much larger. It includes parts such as coils, compressors, and fans, which are all designed by licensed engineers here in Oklahoma. Before any system like this is built, safety experts carefully study what could go wrong and make sure there are strong protections in place to keep workers, nearby residents, and the environment safe.
Chemicals used in industrial operations are contained through several layers of protection to prevent leaks and releases. These safety mechanisms are designed by registered professional engineers to meet federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Cooling water or other processing fluids are kept onsite and never discharged into the ground.
Fires at data centers are very rare. Project Open Sky will have advanced fire detection and suppression systems that can quickly isolate and extinguish any potential fires to prevent harm to people and equipment. These systems use sensors to identify heat or smoke early to ensure fast response and minimal damage. Trained staff and local fire departments will also respond if needed to ensure safety.
Facilities are designed to run with no continuous emissions during normal operation. Backup generators, which run infrequently for testing or emergencies, are subject to strict emissions standards.
Advanced cooling systems are also engineered to be efficient and environmentally responsible, with low-emission designs and careful management of refrigerants. Overall, modern data centers are built and operated to limit local air quality impacts and meet or exceed environmental regulations.
No. Data centers are among the most secure commercial buildings. They are designed to protect the equipment inside, which means they include controlled access, 24/7 monitoring, reinforced construction, and multiple layers of physical security.
The bigger issue in the data world is cybersecurity, which is managed by the data center operator. Operators follow strict federal, state, and industry standards to protect the digital systems, and the host community is not connected to the data center’s internal networks, so residents, local businesses, and city systems are not exposed to additional cyber risk.
Cloverleaf projects are designed so that residents and small businesses are not asked to shoulder higher electric costs due to new development. Project Open Sky commits to paying for new power infrastructure and upgrades needed for the data center. Project Open Sky is currently engaged with Cimarron Electric Cooperative, to advance necessary power studies to determine total potential capacity at the site for this development.
As a part of securing power commitments, Project Open Sky will commit to a 15-year minimum initial contract term, significant financial security, and termination payments, so that the data center project will bear all power-related costs for its service. This ensures that the data center will not cause additional cost burden to be passed to other power customers.
Required power studies will determine what transmission upgrades, if any, are needed to serve the site. Project Open Sky will be required to pay for transmission upgrades that are identified to connect the project to the grid. In addition, new facilities for generation and capacity will be funded by Project Open Sky, which will provide more energy for the electrical grid, making the grid more reliable and resilient.
No, our goal is to make sure the community does not incur those costs.
Cloverleaf works to cover the cost of any additional infrastructure needed for a project. These details are outlined upfront through agreements with local governments and utility providers.
We also conduct tax impact studies to compare the project’s expected tax revenue with any infrastructure needs. The goal is to ensure the project brings a net financial benefit to the community, while responsibly planning and paying for any required upgrades.
Project Open Sky represents over a $1 billion taxable investment and is expected to inject millions of dollars in tax revenue into the City of Piedmont and Canadian County, directly supporting infrastructure, government and community services, and schools.
In addition to tax revenue, Cloverleaf is exploring opportunities to invest in the community through charitable donations to organizations that support community initiatives in the City of Piedmont. Potential areas of support may include first responder and emergency services, education and workforce development initiatives, grants to community-serving organizations and utility assistance and weatherization to reduce household energy bills. Funding would be directed in coordination with local stakeholders to reflect community priorities.
Short-term jobs: During the 3+ year construction phase, Project Open Sky will create over 1,000 construction jobs.
Long-term jobs: Once the data center is operational, the project is expected to employ over 50 full-time workers. These full-time jobs are high-paying positions such as data center technicians, network engineers, and IT support staff that often do not require four-year university degrees. A local workforce is preferred and frequently sourced through local training programs funded by the data center operator.
The project is conducting noise analysis to understand existing ambient conditions. The campus will seek to minimize noise generated on site to neighboring properties by implementing setbacks and may also deploy vegetation, berms, or sound walls if needed.
During construction, traffic levels will increase around the site. Project Open Sky will work with City, County, and Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials and engineers as needed to plan road use and routing as well as determine any road improvements needed during or post construction. The project will work with local officials to pay for required improvements or to address impacts during construction.
The project will incorporate Dark Sky lighting practices, which include full cut-off fixtures, minimal overlay lighting, directional lighting, warm color temperatures, and other features. These practices can reduce light impacts by 99%. Berms, trees, and other landscaping features can minimize further visual impacts to the community. Data centers do not cause ground vibrations.
State and local laws and regulations hold the project accountable. Not meeting environmental standards or limits can lead to penalties, corrective action, or suspended permits.
