Querétaro, a city in central Mexico, is recognized for its colonial architecture and notably for its extensive data centre operations, making it the country’s data centre capital. Major companies such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and ODATA have established facilities in the region, with numerous data centres reportedly in operation and additional ones underway. Ascenty, identified as Latin America’s largest data centre operator, has two sites in Querétaro, measuring approximately 20,000 square feet each, with plans for a third site.
The anticipated investment in the local data centre industry could exceed $10 billion over the next decade, driven primarily by rising demand for artificial intelligence technologies. According to Shaolei Ren, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California Riverside, this demand is accelerating data centre construction significantly.
The strategic location of Querétaro is highlighted by its proximity to Mexico City and its connections to high-speed data cables, which facilitate rapid data transfer. Local authorities have shown support for this development, streamlining permits and regulations for data centre construction. However, many U.S. companies are drawn to Querétaro due to constraints in power capacity in the U.S., coupled with favorable land costs and energy prices.
Data centres utilize substantial amounts of water for cooling purposes, which has prompted concern among residents due to the area’s recent drought, the worst in a century. Activists like Teresa Roldán emphasize the need for transparency regarding water usage by these facilities. They argue that private industries are prioritized over community needs for water access. While the government maintains that water allocation is primarily for public consumption, residents feel conflicted about the perceived preference for industrial use.
Additionally, air quality issues arise from the reliance on diesel backup generators in data centres, raising health concerns in the surrounding communities. Ascenty asserts compliance with health regulations set by authorities, but the local population continues to voice concerns regarding environmental impacts as the demand for data centres grows.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2ngz7ep1eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss