Location Feasibility Assessment

Determining the feasibility of a particular location for data center development is a core part of data center location strategy and site development at Stream.

Stream’s location feasibility assessment considers over 180 factors. Top criteria include proximity to power sources, availability of water, climate conditions, telecommunications infrastructure, labor force availability, and tax incentives. The other 172+ factors ensure the assessment is broad enough to capture all the factors that could add cost or timeline to the development project. Once we’ve run the assessment, we assign risk classifications to each property.

Once we identify sites with the strongest fundamentals, we conduct a rigorous, multi-phase due diligence process to identify and characterize site risks. We work with utility providers to determine what upgrades or interconnection projects are required. We work with local authorities to understand if rezonings or special use permits will be required, striving to make the allowable uses as flexible as possible. We work with government agencies to outline development and investment parameters and negotiate responsible and mutually beneficial economic development incentives.

Armed with the data and due diligence, Stream is able to proactively address risks before they turn into cost overruns or schedule delays. For example, with sites that will become data centers in three years, we’re already working to mitigate the kinds of risks that could add 6-8 months to the development timeline two years from now. Where risk mitigation isn’t possible, we walk away from sites early in the process if a risk will be too costly or time-consuming to overcome.

Explore more in our executive brief Hyperscale Site Selection is About Finding Hidden Value and Mitigating Development Risk.