Genesis Digital Assets (GDA), a leading global Bitcoin mining company, has unveiled the launch of three new data centers in the Western region of South Carolina.
This growth is a strategic move to fortify the company's presence within the United States. As of now, GDA is responsible for 2% of the total hash rate on the Bitcoin network.
Beginning in February 2023, the first data center started operations near the town of Anderson, with a total capacity of 18 MW. The other two facilities sitting between the towns of Union and Lockhart began operations in March 2023 and now have a combined capacity of 15 MW.
The data center in Anderson was originally an unused textile warehouse and the construction of the other two facilities had 95% of the workforce recruited locally from within South Carolina.
This decision has not only stimulated economic growth but also created close to 150 jobs while 125 positions were filled by local contractors who played a crucial role in the development of the data centers.
GDA's Head of North American operations, Ankit Joshi, stated that "we were impressed to see how these local communities welcomed us so warmly as an opportunity for their economy."
Selecting South Carolina as the site for these data centers was a deliberate decision, heavily influenced by the state's rich availability of clean energy sources.
The Pacolet facility, one of the data centers, is strategically located just 3 miles from two hydroelectric generation plants run by Lockhart Power, a prominent renewable and clean energy provider in the area.
Additionally, the Anderson data center features Hitachi's eco-friendly dry type distribution transformers. This facility will also function as an essential asset for Duke Energy, enhancing the local energy grid by returning excess power.
"Our goal is to be industry leaders and show the world that Bitcoin mining can be very ESG-friendly," said Andrey Kim, the CEO of GDA.