The proposed P20.3-billion AI (artificial intelligence) data center in Oton, Iloilo, has been shelved following a public backlash.
Daniel Stefan Robertsen, managing director of Norway Green Energy, withdrew the proposal to establish the 50-megawatt (MW) facility on an 8.19-hectare site in Barangays Abilay Sur and Lambuyaw.
In his letter to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), Robertsen said: “Following our assessment of the project and current circumstances, we have decided not proceed with further development of the project.”
“We appreciate the time and consideration given by the relevant Municipality and stakeholders during discussions regarding the proposed project,” he added.
Robertsen walked out of a public consultation on the proposed WS Hyperscale AI Campus and cursed at local reporters covering the event last week.
In a radio interview, Oton SB Member Atty. Annie Rose Paro said she is “entertaining” the possibility of declaring Robertsen persona non grata.
An AI center is a “specialized facility designed to store, manage, and process massive amounts of data required for AI operations.”
Based on Robertsen’s presentation during the consulation, the proposed project would require roughly 500 cubic meters of water daily for every 10 MW of capacity.
The facility was designed to initially operate at 10 MW before expanding in phases to its full 50 MW capacity.IMT
