Upstate NY Crypto Mine Seeks Data Center Status Amid AI Boom

A cryptocurrency mining operation in Upstate New York is seeking to transform into a data center despite Governor Kathy Hochul's moratorium on new facilities powering the AI boom. The Greenidge Generation plant, which has been running for six years and has more than 20,000 continuously operating computers, has rebranded as Vulcan Infrastructure and Power.

The company is asking for an additional 200 megawatts of power from the grid, enough to power roughly 150,000 homes. This move comes after Hochul signed a moratorium earlier this month, pausing permits for facilities that use 50 megawatts or more of power. However, it's unclear if Vulcan's application falls under the moratorium.

Vulcan has raised nearly $40 million in connection with its effort to transform into a data center. The company claims it is well-positioned to address the growing need for reliable and available power due to the AI boom.