Data centers discussed by Northern Nevada Development Authority panel
Experts and government officials at a Northern Nevada Development Authority event discussed the regional impact of data center development, including energy and water use concerns. The discussion highlighted a moratorium enacted by Reno City Council and recent zoning approvals and ordinance discussions in Lyon County, underscoring the need for thoughtful community conversation on infrastructure and land suitability. Specific projects like EdgeCore's Reno data center and the Monarch Data Center near Yerington were also mentioned.
A Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) event in Minden brought together experts to discuss the region's appeal to data center developers and the necessary community conversations regarding land suitability and infrastructure. NNDA Executive Director John Cassinelli emphasized understanding both opportunities and impacts for sustainable growth, while Raymond Zavalla of Helix Electric noted Northern Nevada is a top-five market globally, attracting developers with its climate, fiber, and tax structure.
However, Zavalla acknowledged the "combative" nature of data center projects among residents and governing bodies. The Reno City Council, responding to opposition, initially approved a 30-day moratorium on new applications in June, later extending it through August 2027 to allow for new regulations. Storey County Commissioner Clay Mitchell, recalling his county's experience with Switch and Google, advocated for local governments' self-determination in community development.
NV Energy's Jeff Brigger highlighted the substantial utility infrastructure required, including the Greenlink project, and cautioned that not all state areas are suitable for data centers due to cost and time implications. Kris Thompson, an advocate and utility infrastructure specialist, noted successful early investments in effluent water lines for cooling in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. Eric Henzl of the Desert Research Institute discussed energy-efficient cooling systems. Thompson also countered the myth of low long-term job creation, citing ongoing construction and upgrades. The Lyon County Commission recently discussed a data center ordinance, directing staff to revise it with specifics on setbacks, building, water, and cooling. They also approved a zoning change for the 4.6 million-square-foot Monarch Data Center near Yerington. EdgeCore's Bill Jabjiniak underscored the long-term economic benefits and community engagement of data centers, referencing Loudoun County, Virginia, as an example of significant budgetary contributions from such developments.