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Commissioners discuss data center energy needs and consider joining Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance
Summary
At least one commissioner reported on statewide data-center energy shortfalls and urged counties to develop policy; the board discussed a proposed resolution to join the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance but did not vote and asked for the draft resolution to be returned for consideration.
Commissioners reported on discussions at the AMC conference and regional calls about data centers and electricity supply, noting that large data centers and the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence are increasing pressure on local power grids.
A commissioner who follows data-center issues said even large counties with many data centers face power constraints: in one example the county would need more acreage than it has available to power data centers solely by solar or wind. The commissioner said small modular nuclear reactors and newer micro- and nano-reactor technologies were raised as possible solutions.
Commissioners also discussed the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance, an organization some counties have joined to advocate for nuclear energy as a component of future power supply; one commissioner said two counties had already joined and suggested Hubbard County consider a resolution joining the alliance. Another commissioner asked to see the resolution language and requested it be brought back to a future meeting for formal consideration.
Ending: The board did not adopt a resolution at the meeting; commissioners asked staff or proponents to provide a draft resolution and examples other counties have adopted for consideration at a future meeting.
