Development panel discusses data centers in Northern Nevada
A development panel in Minden discussed the growth of data centers in Northern Nevada, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. Experts and officials reviewed infrastructure needs, environmental concerns, and the social impact, with examples of a moratorium in Reno and a zoning approval in Lyon County. The discussion involved companies like NV Energy and EdgeCore, emphasizing the need for thoughtful community planning.
A panel discussion organized by the Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) in Minden highlighted the growing appeal of Northern Nevada for data center developers, while emphasizing the need for thoughtful community dialogue regarding land suitability, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. NNDA Executive Director John Cassinelli stressed the importance of understanding both opportunities and impacts to ensure sustainable economic growth for the region.
Moderator Raymond Zavalla of Helix Electric noted Northern Nevada’s rise as a top-five data center market, driven by its climate, fiber-optic infrastructure, tax structure, and proximity to California's AI boom. However, Zavalla acknowledged the "combative" nature of data center projects, citing the Reno City Council's approval and subsequent extension of a moratorium on new applications until August 2027 due to public opposition. Storey County Commissioner Clay Mitchell, whose county hosts Switch and Google data centers, advocated for local governments' self-determination in community development decisions.
NV Energy's Vice President of Business Development and Programs, Jeff Brigger, discussed the utility's efforts to provide infrastructure, including the substantial Greenlink transmission project, which includes plans for 500 kilovolt lines to be built over the next 10-15 years. He cautioned that not all locations in the state are suitable for data centers and that development would be expensive and time-consuming. Kris Thompson, a data center advocate and former TRIC project manager, highlighted successful water management strategies using effluent water and the significant, sustained job creation from data center construction and maintenance.
The article also covered specific government actions, noting the Lyon County Commission's August 8th discussion of a data center ordinance, directing staff to revise it with specifics on residential setbacks and water systems. Three days later, the Commission approved a zoning change for the 4.6 million-square-foot Monarch Data Center near Yerington despite opposition. EdgeCore’s SVP of Community and Government Relations, Bill Jabjiniak, emphasized the long-term economic benefits, including fiber connectivity and community investment, citing Loudoun County, Virginia, as an example where data centers contribute significantly to the local budget.