In thirsty Reno, a crucial vote could usher in more water-guzzling data centers
9 hours ago
- #urban-development
- #data-centers
- #water-conservation
- Reno, Nevada, is becoming a hub for data center construction despite being in the driest state in the U.S.
- Data centers require massive amounts of energy and water for cooling, raising concerns about resource strain.
- At least three data center projects have been approved in Reno since 2024, with more planned in nearby industrial parks.
- Community leaders are divided; some see economic benefits (jobs, tax revenue), while others worry about water shortages and housing deficits.
- A revised proposal for the StoneGate project would reduce housing units from 5,000 to 1,350 and increase industrial space (including data centers) from 1.2M to 12M sq ft.
- Critics argue Reno cannot afford to lose housing (needs 15K more units by 2035) and that data centers consume finite water resources.
- Southern Nevada bans evaporative cooling in new commercial buildings, but Reno lacks similar regulations.
- The Heinz Ranch Land Co. defends its revised plan, claiming it uses less water than the original housing-heavy proposal and could bring 8,800 jobs.
- Opponents, including environmental groups, stress the dangers of prioritizing data centers over housing and water conservation.
- A final vote on the StoneGate project will determine its fate after mixed decisions from city planning bodies.