Hyperscale data center developer confirmed
Blue Owl Capital plans to build a hyperscale data center in Klickitat County, Washington, on a former aluminum plant site. The project, confirmed by an anonymous source, involves a contract with NSC Smelter. Construction is estimated to start around 2028-2029, pending environmental cleanup. The data center will require carbon-free energy sources and is near major tech hubs. Blue Owl acquired the developer, IPI Partners, and STACK Infrastructure for $1 billion in early 2025.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The deal expands Blue Owl's infrastructure footprint but lacks financial details, suggesting limited immediate market impact.
Market read
Strategic infrastructure news with modest near‑term trading relevance; primarily a long‑term growth story.
What to watch
Regulatory approvals, tribal engagement, and remediation timelines could delay or derail the development.
Background
The article reports a newly disclosed contract for a hyperscale data center on a former aluminum plant site, involving Blue Owl Capital and NSC Smelter.
Ticker impact
Blue Owl Capital signed a contract with NSC Smelter to build a hyperscale data center at the former aluminum plant site.
Modest upside pressure if the project proceeds as planned, but impact limited until financing and construction details are disclosed.
No financial terms were disclosed; the news is primarily strategic and long‑term, so price reaction is likely muted.
Market effects
Adds to the pipeline of hyperscale data center capacity in the Pacific Northwest, potentially benefiting cloud providers seeking low‑cost power.
May boost local construction and environmental remediation activity in Klickitat County.
Limited; the project is regionally focused and not expected to shift global data center supply dynamics.
Counterpoint
Without disclosed financing or power agreements, the project could stall, making the news overhyped.
Key entities
- CompanyBlue Owl Capital
Public investment firm (ticker OWL) entering data center development.
- CompanyNSC Smelter, LLC
Entity owning the former aluminum plant site.
