Ames City Council considers proposal for new data center, concerns over high electricity use
The Ames City Council is considering a proposal from Des Moines-based Lightedge to build a data center near the municipal airport. While the facility would minimize water usage with a closed-loop cooling system, it would consume nearly 25 megawatts of electricity, requiring a new $12 million substation and representing 20% of the city's current power use. Residents are actively opposing the plan, with a petition gaining over 3,400 signatures, and a decision from the council is expected by mid-July.
The Ames City Council is currently evaluating a proposal for a new data center from Des Moines-based company Lightedge, with a decision anticipated as early as July 14. The proposed facility, planned for an 11-acre site near the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport, has generated significant discussion and public input regarding its potential impact on the city's resources.
Lightedge, established in 1996 and operating two data centers in Altoona for over two decades, emphasizes that its Ames facility would be solely for data storage, not AI workloads, which are often associated with high power consumption. Matt Biegacki, Chief Marketing Officer for Lightedge, clarified that the center would provide private companies space for their data racks. The company also highlighted its use of a closed-loop cooling system, requiring minimal water after initial filling.
However, the project's significant electricity demand is a primary concern. If built to its proposed third stage, the data center would require nearly 25 megawatts of electricity, which is approximately 20% of Ames's total current electricity consumption. Meeting this demand would necessitate the construction of a new, dedicated $12 million substation.
Local opposition is robust, with resident Ann Rezarch expressing concerns about the council's need for independent expert opinions on the proposal's downsides. A petition against the data center has already garnered over 3,400 signatures. A special public input meeting was scheduled for June 30, following a June 23 council meeting where company representatives answered questions.