Delaware Sunshine Week 2026
Hyperscale Data Centers in Delaware?
A Decision with Lasting Consequences
Monday, March 16, 2026
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Sunshine Week Event
Register for event
Join the Delaware Press Association and the Delaware Coalition for Open Government for a panel discussion on what the public needs to know about data centers in Delaware.
Data centers are quickly popping up around the country as power and energy demands of artificial intelligence technology continue to grow. The hyperscale data center site – proposed by Starwood Digital Ventures on land adjacent to the Delaware City Refinery and near fragile wetlands – would require massive amounts of power and water. The public has the right to have a voice in how these types of projects will impact our communities in Delaware.
How much do government agencies know about these proposals? Will these projects benefit Delawareans in the long run? How do we ensure public transparency and accountability in the development of this industry? Join us to for a discussion with a panel of experts to explore how we get the necessary answers to this complex project.
7:00 p.m. Welcome and Introductions
7:15 p.m. Panel Discussion
8:00 p.m. Q&A Discussion with Audience
The event will be introduced and moderated by Mark Fowser, WDEL Anchor and Vice President / Program Director of the Delaware Press Association. Audience members may submit questions for the panel during the Q&A.
Panelist Biographies
Olivia Marble, Land Use Reporter for Spotlight Delaware
Olivia Marble writes articles about a wide variety of subjects, including land use law, affordable housing, energy systems, and transportation infrastructure. She aims to help readers understand the complex systems driving development across the state, as well as the impact of this growth. She has covered the plans for data centers in Delaware and has written almost 20 articles on the subject.
David Carter, New Castle County Councilman, District 6
Dr. David Carter represents District 6 in New Castle County. For nearly three decades, he has served as a senior environmental scientist and manager for DNREC, and as a member of the Board of Directors for Delaware Audubon Society, he has fought for environmental accountability of industrial polluters. He also has served as a professor of public policy at the University of Delaware.
Danielle Swallow, Delaware Sea Grant Coastal Hazards Specialist
Danielle Swallow provides technical assistance and outreach to Delaware communities on building resilience to weather and climate hazards. Co-founder of RASCL, the Resilient and Sustainable Communities League, a professional network of organizations dedicated to helping communities thrive in the face of a changing climate, she also is active in advising communities about land use practices and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
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This event is free and open to the public.