Auburndale could be getting a major data center: Here's what we know

A proposed data center in Auburndale could eventually require 700 megawatts of electricity, as developers move forward with plans to transform an existing industrial property into a technology and computing center.The Auburndale Technology Center is planned for a 75-acre site at 810 Pace Road, east of Florida Polytechnic University, within the Central Florida Innovation District.Texas-based Hillwood Development Company says it will build the project in phases, using two existing warehouse buildings that will be converted to house computer servers and related equipment.According to the developer, the first phase will require approximately 350 megawatts of electricity, with the full development requiring up to 700 megawatts. Tampa Electric Company will provide the power.Hillwood says it will pay 100% of the costs associated with generating and delivering electricity to the facility.The project is being promoted as a smaller alternative to hyperscale data centers, with a closed-loop cooli