By Scout Nelson
An Israeli company is exploring plans to develop a large-scale data center campus near Hallam, Nebraska, according to Nebraska Public Media News. The project is linked to Stark Power, a Tel Aviv-based developer that acquired infrastructure company Sagebrush Infrastructure in June, and records show efforts to secure land for a potential hyperscale data center development in the area.
Documents filed with the Lancaster County Register of Deeds show that 13 landowners, including farmers and family trusts, signed agreements covering more than 1,400 acres between December 2025 and March 2026. The agreements grant Stark an exclusive period to purchase the land and allow access for regulatory and site evaluations.
Darin Schwaninger, a Hallam-area landowner, declined an offer from Sagebrush to sell his property, citing concerns about the impact such a development could have on neighboring residents.
Another local landowner, Marty Rejcha, also chose not to sell despite receiving an offer. He said the proposal was not sufficient for land that has remained in his family for more than four generations.
Company documents indicate the proposed project could become a 1.7-gigawatt hyperscale data center campus, requiring enough electricity to power approximately 1.3 million homes. Investor materials show Stark is targeting multiple hyperscale data center developments across the Midwest and regions served by the Southwest Power Pool.
The proposal appears to align with existing energy infrastructure in Hallam, including Nebraska Public Power District’s Princeton Road Station, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2029. However, Stark representatives have stated that the site remains under evaluation and no final decision has been made.
Residents have expressed concerns about future development, infrastructure impacts and local oversight of major industrial projects. Discussions have also included Monolith’s proposed expansion and reports of another large data center project being considered within Norris Public Power District’s service area.
Lancaster County Commissioner Matt Schulte said he has heard concerns from area residents and is working to address issues related to the proposed developments.
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Categories: Nebraska, General, Rural Lifestyle