Commissioners to consider data centers

Lincoln County, Nebraska Commissioners are scheduled to meet to discuss the implications of potential large data center developments, particularly in the southern part of the county. The prospect of a data center with its own power plant has brought the issue to the commissioners' attention.

Tenaska, one of the largest privately held energy companies in the U.S. and headquartered in Omaha, has reportedly contacted residents in southern Lincoln County about developing a natural gas-fueled power plant in the area. The commissioners plan to hold a closed session to discuss "emerging economic development opportunities," though the reason for privacy is unclear.

In an open session, the commissioners will consider a resolution to enact a temporary moratorium on data center facilities. Additionally, the agenda indicates they may direct the Lincoln County Planning Commission to investigate, review, and recommend revisions to all data center-related zoning regulations. This move follows similar actions by other Nebraska counties that have placed moratoriums on data centers to update zoning rules due to their significant energy demands.

Concerns highlighted in the article include the substantial water required for cooling, equivalent to a small town's usage, and electricity consumption comparable to a small city if air conditioners are used. The article also mentions Google considering a data center in Nebraska that could require more than three times the power of the entire city of Lincoln at peak demand.