Panel at Confluence summit to mull data centers’ power, water use

Data centers' significant consumption of power and water will be a central theme at BizWest's annual Confluence summit in Greeley, Colorado, on April 30. The discussion, led by Sandra Hagen Solin of Capitol Solutions, aims to address the challenges and opportunities presented by these high-tech facilities. The panel will delve into critical aspects such as cooling technologies, grid capacity, water sourcing, and infrastructure planning, examining their intersection and implications for local governments, utility providers, and economic development agencies. The context for this discussion is the varied reception of data centers by Northern Colorado governments, with some encouraging their development while others maintain a more cautious stance. Prominent panelists joining Solin include Melissa Almond of Xcel Energy, Weld County Commissioner Scott James, Nate Shriver from Rowan Digital Infrastructure, and Grant Tupper of Select Water Solutions. The summit provides an opportunity for attendees to gain insights into factors influencing water supply and climate action.