Ames leaders get first detailed look at proposed LightEdge data center as debate grows

Ames city leaders received a detailed presentation on a proposed data center project by Des Moines-based LightEdge, planned for airport-owned land west of the Ames Regional Airport. The proposal outlines a phased construction over approximately 10 years, starting with a 100,000-square-foot building and an initial 3 megawatts of electrical demand, potentially growing to 25 megawatts. LightEdge, which plans a co-location facility, asserts it will cover necessary infrastructure upgrades.

The project faces significant public opposition, with an online petition surpassing 3,000 signatures. Opponents, including Aaron Lynch of the Heart of Iowa Democratic Socialists of America, argue that Ames lacks a specific zoning definition or regulatory framework for data centers, advocating for city policies to be established before individual projects are considered. Concerns also include electricity demand and the long-term precedent such development could set.

City staff addressed utility demands, with Ames Electric Services Director Don Kom stating project-specific costs would not automatically transfer to other utility customers. They also noted that the facility, using a closed-loop cooling system, is expected to have low water consumption compared to other major users. Leasing the airport property would generate revenue for airport operations, as required by Federal Aviation Administration rules.

LightEdge Chief Marketing Officer Matt Biegacki highlighted that their proposed facility is significantly smaller than "hyperscale" data centers operated by companies like Google, Meta, or Amazon, emphasizing its focus on supporting existing Iowa businesses. Despite the detailed presentation, no council action was taken, with the Ames City Council scheduling a special public listening session on June 30 and planning to revisit the issue in July.