Data center project receives nod from Kearney Planning Commission with new regulations in place

The Kearney Planning Commission has unanimously approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for "Project Horizon," a proposed data center located east of Kearney, Nebraska, during its meeting on August 21. The project, spearheaded by Worldwide Mission Critical and co-owned by SDV, will have a total electrical demand of 368 megawatts and will repurpose an existing 100-megawatt cryptocurrency mining facility on the site.

The approval comes with new, stricter regulations recently adopted by the City of Kearney. Craig Bennett of Miller & Associates, representing Worldwide Mission Critical, detailed the project's adherence to these rules, including sound and water usage. The data center plans to use closed-loop chilled water systems for cooling, with the largest water consumption projected for landscape maintenance. Ryan Fuld, project lead with SDV, emphasized the company's commitment to exceeding sound code and reducing water use through technology and design.

As part of a Community Benefit Agreement, the developers plan to collaborate with Central Community College for workforce training, Kearney Public Schools for STEM promotion, and Hot Meals USA. While approximately 20 community members attended the meeting, expressing concerns about the existing cryptocurrency facility's noise and water usage, the Planning Commission's vote to recommend approval to the City Council was unanimous. The City Council is expected to discuss the CUP at its September 8th meeting.

The City of Kearney's new data center regulations, which the project will adhere to, are noted in the article as potentially serving as a model for the wider region.