From the NP Chamber: Size, scale, water use of data centers
The North Platte Chamber of Commerce provides information on data centers, discussing their size, scale, and resource demands, particularly water and electricity use, as communities in Nebraska consider these developments. Specifically in Lincoln County, a closed-loop water system is a requirement for data centers, though significant water is still needed for associated power generation.
The North Platte Chamber of Commerce has released information regarding data centers, addressing common concerns about their size, scale, and resource demands. This comes as communities across Nebraska, including Lincoln County, are being approached by companies interested in developing data center infrastructure, driven by the rapid growth of AI and cloud computing.
The document highlights that larger data centers typically seek 1,000 to 1,200 acres, often to co-locate an energy production plant, while smaller facilities may require 50 acres or less. Water usage is a key consideration, with improved technology like closed-loop and air-cooling systems significantly reducing demand compared to older facilities. In Lincoln County, Nebraska, a closed-loop system is a requirement for data centers. While a large data center might need a 2-million-gallon system, which would not need refilling for 5-6 years, the primary challenge remains the substantial water demand of associated power generation systems, potentially requiring the retirement of 10-15 irrigation pivots for cooling. The Chamber anticipates that as technology improves and public power entities can provide stable, long-term power, these water demands will diminish.