NE Edge, LLC’s proposed Waterford data center is projected to gobble 300MW of electricity. To put that in perspective, any of Connecticut’s societal benefit from Revolution Wind, the Orsted/Eversource partnership, will totally evaporate with the flip of a switch, www.revolution-wind.com/about-revolution-wind.

No way to use that precious, additional 304MW of offshore wind energy to electrify homes, automobiles, portable tools and backup batteries. Our transition to cleaner energy will be set back many, many years. And when you factor in the disruption and massive costs associated with the State Pier project this proposal adds insult to injury.

Was it ever planned that Millstone’s industrial zoned land space could be left open for one of its customers? Why not diversify Millstone’s production with solar or electrolyzers that can help decarbonize transportation, heavy shipping and industrial processes? Waterford could probably tax that equipment while preserving the benefits promised to all of Connecticut and New England by Revolution Wind.

With his decision, Waterford’s Republican First Selectman, Rob Brule, instantly obliterated the benefits that are supposed to benefit ALL of Connecticut and New England. Brule’s self-serving deal benefits so few at the expense of so many. Here is hoping Connecticut’s other 168 towns are paying close attention.

Bryan Sayles

Waterford