De Soto data center draws community questions as Panasonic adds data center battery cell production
A $3 billion data center project by Beale Infrastructure is under construction in De Soto, Kansas, prompting community concerns about water supply, energy usage, and environmental impacts. Residents expressed these concerns at a June listening session, while developer Beale Infrastructure stated it is minimizing water use and investing in the community. Separately, Panasonic plans to begin producing data center battery cells at its nearby De Soto plant.
A new $3 billion data center project by Beale Infrastructure, currently under construction in De Soto, Kansas, is facing scrutiny from local residents over potential environmental and resource impacts. Michelle Kauk, director of public policy and communications for Beale Infrastructure, acknowledged community concerns regarding water usage and energy prices, assuring that the facility is designed with an air-cooled closed-loop system to minimize its water footprint.
At a June listening session, residents like Emily Lednicky and Sara VanDeCreek voiced their worries about the project's demands on the water supply and energy grid, as well as broader environmental effects. VanDeCreek specifically questioned the city's preparedness for such large-scale industrial development. While some attendees, including David and Tracy Smith, felt their questions were addressed, others criticized the one-on-one format of the Q&A session, advocating for a more open forum.
In addition to the data center, Panasonic confirmed plans to expand its nearby De Soto plant to include production of data center battery cells within the next few years. Beale Infrastructure also highlighted its community investments, including a $250,000 fund and the creation of 400-800 construction jobs, followed by 50 operational jobs per phase.