MCF Member Briefing: The Growth and Challenges of Data Centers in Minnesota

Data centers have existed in Minnesota for some time (think West Law), but a new generation of hyperscale data server farms may be on their way to Minnesota. At least 10 facilities are proposed by companies such as Google, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft to support cloud storage, data processing, AI queries and training, and cryptocurrency.

The proposals come with expected benefits, such as construction jobs, tax revenue, and investments in carbon-free power. However, they also come with significant electrical energy use (as much as all of the state’s residential customers), billions of gallons of chemically-treated water, and large-scale land use (one proposed facility is estimated to be the size of 25 Target stores). The Minnesota Legislature is considering several proposals to both encourage and restrain the development of data centers.

We’ll hear from a number of speakers, including Kathryn Hoffman, chief executive officer, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Allen Gleckner, chief policy officer, Fresh Energy, and Sarah Mooradian, government relations & policy director, CURE.

Please reach out to Dave Anderson with questions, [email protected].

Agenda

10:00 – Welcome & Introduction

10:10 – Presentations from Speakers
o   Kathryn Hoffman, chief executive officer, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
o   Allen Gleckner, chief policy officer, Fresh Energy
o   Sarah Mooradian, government relations & policy director, CURE

10:40 – Facilitated Q&A

11:00 – Post-event Funders Discussion

11:30 – Adjourn