Google gives insight into the Palo data center project and plans to break ground
Google plans to break ground on a six-building data center near Palo in early 2027, with the full project expected to be completed by 2031. The facility could use 10 million to 14 million gallons of water daily, while Google works with Palo and Linn County on environmental, traffic and infrastructure concerns.
Google plans to begin construction on a six-building data center near Palo, Iowa, early next year and bring the facility online within two years. The full development is expected to take until 2031 and will be located near a nuclear power plant that is planned to reopen.
At a meeting with Linn County residents, Google representatives said the project could consume 10 million to 14 million gallons of water per day. The company said the region has sufficient long-term water capacity, although the facility will not use a water-saving closed-loop cooling system. Google workforce development manager Allyson Eastman also said the company is coordinating with Palo and Linn County on traffic and other development issues. Linn County officials said stricter environmental rules and financial requests contributed to Google shifting negotiations toward Palo.