ABC-7 Xtra: Developments to the data center situation in the Borderland pt. 3
A KVIA ABC-7 segment features an interview with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure's Julia Rubin, addressing community concerns about data center developments in the Borderland region, specifically regarding water and electricity usage. Rubin explains Oracle's efforts to minimize water footprint using non-potable water and a closed-loop system, and details their self-generation of power to avoid impacting local utility grids or prices. The discussion also covers the positive economic impact and local hiring practices, particularly for New Mexican employees.
Andrew J. Polk of ABC 7 Extra interviewed Julia Rubin, global head of infrastructure planning for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, to address common viewer questions regarding data center development in the Borderland region, encompassing El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Viewers primarily expressed concerns about the environmental impact and resource usage, particularly water and electricity.
Rubin detailed Oracle's approach to water conservation, stating their data center and fuel cell plant are designed to significantly reduce their water footprint, using the equivalent of nine US households per year. She clarified that the water originates from an existing non-potable well, previously used for watering sod, and is contained within a constantly circulating closed-loop system within the facility.
Regarding electricity, Rubin explained that Oracle's facility is self-generating its power, ensuring no impact on the local utility grid or ratepayers' prices. The conversation also touched upon the long-term lifespan of the infrastructure, expected to last for several decades.
A significant portion of the interview focused on the economic benefits for the local community, specifically "El Pasoans" and the broader region. Rubin highlighted that approximately 700 of the 2,000 on-site employees are New Mexican, emphasizing the local hiring that is occurring. The segment concluded by directing viewers to KVIA.com for the full interview.