As debate over the development of AI data centers continues across the state, Kewaunee County Board Chair Dan Olson is not completely ruling out the possibility of one eventually being built in the county.

Kewaunee County made statewide headlines this week when Wisconsin Watch chronicled Cloverleaf Infrastructure’s attempt to build an AI data center in the Town of Carlton, linking the proposal to the potential revival of the Kewaunee Power Station.

Port Washington in Ozaukee County and Greenleaf in Brown County have also drawn attention for similar proposals, including commentary from comedian Charlie Berens.

Earlier this week, the Wisconsin State Assembly voted largely along party lines to advance a bill that would require AI data centers to operate under closed-loop cooling systems to limit water withdrawals from lakes and streams. The legislation would also require the Public Service Commission to ensure utility customers do not bear the costs in their energy bills.

Olson said it is important to separate fact from fiction surrounding AI data centers, adding that such projects could provide an economic boost to the county if done correctly.

Olson said the county’s role is to support local townships in their decisions to pursue or reject AI data center development within their jurisdictions.

Despite being turned away by Carlton and other communities, Cloverleaf Infrastructure has said it remains hopeful it can build a facility somewhere in northeast Wisconsin.