A good neighbor, by design.
Nodiac develops small modular data centers averaging 2 to 20 MW per project, utilizing power that already exists on the grid. We build on a small footprint and work to be great neighbors in every community.
How we partner with communities
Part of what makes a Nodiac project a good neighbor is inherent to building at this scale. The other is a commitment. We want to benefit each community we serve.
Minimizing impacts
Each site is approximately one to five acres, sometimes smaller. Most modules are pre-built off-site and delivered by truck, so construction typically lasts 4 to 8 months. Sites are quiet, dark-sky lit, and see minimal traffic once operating.
Maximizing benefit
Nodiac works with our neighbors to give back, supporting the local programs communities care about. We aim to benefit each community we engage with.
Community Benefit Agreements
Nodiac doesn't arrive with the plan already finished. We come in early, listen to what matters locally, and work with stakeholders to build something meaningful for the community.
The benefits we agree to can be locked in through a Community Benefit Agreement, decided together and made enforceable.
We understand that concerns arise when you hear "data center." Here is how Nodiac's approach is different than typical large data centers.
Power prices
Concern: Communities fear data centers will force costly grid upgrades that raise your electric bills.
Nodiac: Nodiac sites are sized to avoid costly power infrastructure upgrades. For minor upgrades, we partner with local utilities to fund the work needed to support our sites. Nodiac sites bring new revenue to your local utility, which helps utilities manage fixed costs and hold power prices steady.
Water
Concern: Large data centers can draw millions of gallons a day for cooling, straining local water resources.
Nodiac: Most Nodiac sites use closed-loop liquid cooling. A typical site requires an initial fill comparable to a residential swimming pool (~14,000 to 16,000 gallons). After that, periodic small top-offs are necessary for ongoing maintenance, with the liquid fully replaced every 5 to 8 years. Any liquids removed from the site are treated by licensed waste handlers when required.
Noise
Concern: Neighbors worry about constant mechanical hum from cooling equipment running around the clock.
Nodiac: Nodiac targets a noise level comparable to an everyday conversation at the nearest residence (40 to 50 dBA). If needed, noise mitigation and adjustments to the site layout can be employed. Acoustic noise studies conducted before construction and once operational will verify noise levels at each site.
Land and Construction
Concern: Large data centers encumber hundreds to thousands of acres through years of disruptive construction.
Nodiac: Each site is approximately one to five acres, sometimes smaller. Nodiac avoids building on protected land, and construction is planned in a way that reduces site disturbance. Most modules are pre-built off-site and delivered by truck. Nodiac project construction will typically last 4 to 8 months, compared to much longer timelines for large data centers.
Heat
Concern: Large data centers are increasing the ambient air temperatures nearby from their waste heat.
Nodiac: Nodiac's small modular data centers are not expected to increase nearby ambient air temperatures. The waste heat coming from a Nodiac site is significantly less than a large data center.
Lighting, Security and Safety
Concern: Residents are sometimes concerned about bright around-the-clock lighting, heavy traffic, and safety at a site.
Nodiac: Our sites are monitored remotely and see minimal traffic, with dark-sky shielded lighting that aims to minimize glare. Safety and health is our absolute priority; we are committed to comply with all local, state, and federal safety standards during construction and operations of our sites.
Decommissioning
Concern: Locals fear being left with an abandoned industrial site once the project ends.
Nodiac: Nodiac's small pre-fabricated units disconnect and truck out as easily as they arrive. Site restoration can be supported with county decommissioning bonds. In most cases, sites can be restored back to their prior use.
How these commitments are enforced
Nodiac participates publicly and proactively in all required municipal permitting processes. The project's operating requirements, including its size and noise limits, water usage and disposal plan, and decommissioning bond, can become conditions of a conditional use permit: recorded and enforceable against the project. Any benefits we agree to with the township can be locked in through a Community Benefit Agreement. These are not just promises. They are on the record.