A proposed state-of-the-art $1 billion project by West Chester’s The Data Centers LLC has been cancelled by the University of Delaware because the Newark community and UD’s “first-class science and technology campus” faculty found the data center’s supporting natural gas power plant to be too big and too dirty, according to a Philly.com report.

“At the end of the day, there was a genuine alignment of interests — those of the Newark community, the University of Delaware, and a clean and healthy environment,” Prof. Thomas M. Powers said in the article.

The natural gas plant was deemed inconsistent “given the university’s commitment to reduced carbon emissions and its strong reputation in renewable and carbon-free energy research,” the article cited from UD’s statement. UD will instead look to attract other businesses that better reflect its commitment.

Read more about the project termination decision on Philly.com here and read up on previous Chesco Business Today coverage of the project here.

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Top image courtesy of Philly.com.