Google addresses power and noise questions at Palo data center open house
Google held a community open house in Palo to discuss its proposed data center, saying the project would not increase local electric bills and would use power supported by the restarted Duane Arnold nuclear plant. Residents also asked about noise, construction jobs, tax revenue and whether community feedback could influence the project, which remains in the approval process.
Google representatives met with Palo residents to discuss the company’s proposed data center and address concerns about electricity costs and noise. Allen Gleckner of Google’s Upper Midwest energy team said the facility would not raise local electric bills and identified the restarted Duane Arnold nuclear plant as an anchor power source for the project.
Noise consultant Christopher Ollson said Palo’s restrictive noise ordinance would provide safeguards for nearby residents. Google economic and community development manager Allyson Eastman said the company could adjust aspects of the project during construction and operations in response to information and community feedback.
Google said the development could create more than 1,000 construction jobs, hundreds of permanent positions and millions of dollars in local tax revenue. The proposed data center remains subject to the approval process.