How to choose an AI data center site under 50 MW

To choose a site under 50 MW, confirm the power first, then check fiber, permitting and land. Everything else can be solved more cheaply than a power problem.

Power

• Is there a written statement of available capacity from the utility?
• Is service firm or interruptible?
• What are the deposit, study cost and timeline?
• Who owns the transformer and substation work?

Fiber

• Who is the operator, and is dark fiber available?
• How far is the splice point, and who pays to reach it?
• Is there a diverse second route?

Land and permitting

• What rights exist today: ownership, option or lease?
• When do those rights expire?
• What local permits apply, and what are the statutory timelines?
• Are there easements or existing leases on the land?

Cooling and climate

• How many hours of free cooling does the climate allow?
• Is water available, or is a closed-loop system planned?

Counterparties

Check who you are dealing with and how much of the site they actually control. A good seller will tell you what is still open.

By Territory Holdings. Last updated October 30, 2026. This is general information, not advice.