Core Scientific plans $135 million data center for Alabama city

A digital infrastructure company is bringing a $135 million data center to Auburn.

Core Scientific is planning the center in the existing AUBix Data Center on West Samford Avenue, and could eventually pump up to $400 million into the project.

The Auburn data center will launch with a capacity of 16 megawatts, with room for expansion. The company will retain AUBix’s 11 full-time employees and plans to grow its team to a minimum of 20 full-time employees.

AUBix opened in 2022. The $120 million, 40,000 square-foot center near the Auburn University campus was built to offer private and public organizations more secure and efficient access to fiber networks.

Gov. Kay Ivey, in a statement, said the announcement is “a testament to our ability to attract cutting-edge technology companies.”

“We are excited to support their growth and look forward to the economic benefits this project will bring to our state,” Ivey said.

Core Scientific currently operates nine data centers in six states, including Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota and Texas, while another facility is under development in Oklahoma.

Core Scientific CEO Adam Sullivan said the Auburn facility is expected to play “a key role in our high-performance computing strategy, and we are grateful for the strong partnership and support from local and state leaders, including City of Auburn officials.”

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders said the company’s eventual investment will result in a local tax generation of $1.5 million a year, supporting schools and public services.