How much water will the $165 billion data center near El Paso use? Developers unveil figures ahead of Doña Ana commissioners vote

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Developers of Project Jupiter, a proposed $165 billion data center campus in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, have revealed that the facility will initially require about 10 million gallons of water for a one-time fill-up of its closed-loop cooling system, with ongoing annual consumption estimated at 7.2 million gallons. This water usage is comparable to other industrial operations in the region, and the developers, Stack Infrastructure, emphasize their awareness of local water scarcity issues. Community concerns were raised during a recent public meeting, particularly regarding the area's history of poor water quality and the potential impact of the data center on local resources.

The project, which is backed by various companies including BorderPlex Digital Assets, is set to undergo a final vote by the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners. While the developers promise significant investments in local water infrastructure and job creation, residents remain skeptical, citing a lack of trust due to past water quality issues. The project is also expected to require substantial electricity, with plans for a micro-grid to ensure reliable power supply while aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. The outcome of the vote will determine the future of this massive investment in the region.