Google eying Iowa plot of land for data center

News Clip0:52WQAD News 8·Salix, Woodbury County, IA·8/4/2026

MidAmerican Energy has revealed that Google is interested in developing a 900-acre data center site in Salix, Iowa, near Sioux City. The energy company informed local leaders and residents about Google's plans, which include a global goal to replenish 120% of its water usage by 2030. No rezoning or development applications have been filed yet for the project.

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Google

MidAmerican Energy has disclosed that tech giant Google has expressed interest in a substantial 900-acre site in Salix, Iowa, earmarked for a potential new data center. The location is situated in western Iowa, near Sioux City.

The energy company proactively sent a letter to area residents and local leaders to ensure transparency regarding Google's interest in the land. According to company officials, Google has set an ambitious global target to replenish 120% of its water usage across its operations by 2030, a commitment it aims to exceed.

Furthermore, officials stated that Google would fully cover all project-specific infrastructure costs, preventing any potential burden of higher bills on MidAmerican Energy's existing customers. As of now, neither a rezoning request nor a formal development application for the proposed data center has been submitted.