Developer says Wilsonville bitcoin-mining site began without permit; county weighs zoning, utility flags power needs

Yizhou Su of LN Energy LLC told the Coffee County Board of Commissioners on June 17 that construction on a proposed bitcoin-mining development in Wilsonville began without a county permit and that work has been suspended.

"Yes, they started without a permit," Su told commissioners, and said the company wants to "fix the situation." County Attorney Tony Rowell told the board the project is not currently zoned for this use and the commission must determine how this industry fits within the Coffee County Land Use Development Code before permitting or further action.

Commissioner Jimmy Kitchens asked where similar projects are sited; Su cited operations in Bacon County, Randolph County and Pickens County and said his company has built projects for about three years. Su also said the operation planned to use water-cooling technology to reduce noise.

Jim Tucker of Satilla Rural EMC told commissioners the Wilsonville substation was identified as the only local substation with capacity for an installation of this type. "They are the energy provider just like any other customer," Tucker said when asked whether the utility had coordinated with county staff. He estimated power purchases for a facility of the size under discussion could average about $500,000 to $600,000 per month and said cooling systems can be liquid-cooled or use small cooling towers with recycled water.

No formal action was taken to permit, rezone or otherwise approve the project during the special called meeting; the developer said construction is suspended and the commission indicated it needs more information to decide whether and how to permit this type of facility in Coffee County.