Water a big question for proposed AI data center in eastern Kern desert

Residents of California's Indian Wells Valley are vocally opposing the proposed RB Inyokern Data Center, citing significant concerns over its potential water consumption in an already overdrafted desert basin. The project, championed by R&L Capital, Inc., has filed an application with the California Energy Commission for a small power plant exemption to run its 99-megawatt facility, primarily using 44 diesel generators for backup power. This application triggers a full California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review by the Energy Commission, which will assess impacts including water use, land use, and air quality. Despite assurances from R&L Capital, Inc. that a "highly efficient hybrid cooling system" would limit water use to 50 acre-feet per year, residents argue a facility of this size, particularly using evaporative cooling, could consume up to 500,000 gallons per day, or 500 acre-feet annually. This discrepancy is highlighted by a 2021 Nature study, suggesting a 99-megawatt data center could use over 1,800 acre-feet per year. The company's claims of "dry cooling" on an FAQ website are not detailed in its main Energy Commission application, which instead mentions "hybrid cooling towers and water-cooled chillers." Public comments to the Energy Commission have been overwhelmingly negative, demanding a thorough examination of the data center's water demands. While the Inyokern Community Services District issued a "will serve letter" for 50 acre-feet, the project's Water Supply Assessment also lists an onsite groundwater well without specifying its capabilities. Kern County Supervisor and Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority Chair Phillip Peters noted that no official paperwork has been submitted to county boards yet, but he anticipates a "lively discussion" at the groundwater authority's next meeting, especially given the ongoing, contentious water adjudication in the subbasin.