Advocates raise concerns over Nevada data center expansion, cite water and energy use
Nevada advocates gathered in Reno to oppose continued data center expansion, citing concerns about water consumption, fossil-fuel-powered electricity and climate change. A representative of the Walker River Paiute Tribe specifically raised water concerns about the Monarch Data Center in Lyon County, while industry representatives said newer facilities use closed-loop cooling systems.
Advocates in Nevada, including climate advocate Debra Hendrickson and Bri Schmidt of the Nevada Conservation League, criticized continued data center construction over its potential effects on water supplies, electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Josh Dini of the Walker River Paiute Tribe pointed to water concerns involving the Monarch Data Center in Lyon County.
Tray Abney of the Nevada Data Center Coalition said newer Nevada data centers use closed-loop cooling systems that require little additional water. He also cited Greenlink Energy’s plan to connect northern and southern Nevada power grids, allowing additional solar, wind and geothermal generation, while advocates objected to proposed methane gas plants and urged greater use of existing rooftop solar.