Nobles County Powered Data Park
About the Nobles County Data Center
The Nobles County Data Center will be located in Nobles County, Minnesota. This facility will power many of the digital services people use every day—from checking social media and streaming entertainment to storing hospital records, enabling 911 dispatch, supporting airline operations, and running smart farming technologies. Beyond its role in keeping these systems running smoothly, the data center will bring lasting economic benefits to the community through construction and operations jobs, local tax revenue, and support for neighboring initiatives through a dedicated charitable fund.
The Nobles County Data Center will bring significant, lasting benefits to the region, including:
Economic growth
- 1000+ construction jobs, creating a short-term positive impact on the local economy, including housing and food.
- 85+ permanent, local jobs once operational, creating a long-term positive impact on the local economy and opportunities for local residents.
- Thousands of dollars in local development costs, including permitting fees, project events and local charitable giving.
- $10 million dollars in a dedicated local charitable fund to be distributed over the first 20 years of operation.
Tax revenue
- A 400 MW data center on one section of land could increase the Nobles County tax revenue by 39%.
- $12.8 million dollars total in new property tax revenue annually, supporting schools, roads and public services.
- $7 million dollars in new property tax revenue annually for Nobles County.
- $4.5 million dollars in new property tax revenue annually for the Worthington School District.
- $1 million dollars in new property tax revenue annually for Elk Township.
- $300,000 in new property tax revenue annually for additional services.
*Figures based on an independent analysis for a 400 MW data center commissioned by Geronimo Power and conducted by Southwest Regional Development Commission, in partnership with Magnum Economics.
Community Benefits
Being a good neighbor starts with listening. Geronimo Power’s 10/10/10 Community Benefits Plan establishes three separate $10 million commitments — each designed to address a different community priority and create long-term value throughout the first 20 years of the project.
- $10 Million Charitable Giving Fund
- $10 Million Neighbor Shared Benefits Program
- $10 Million Community Development Fund
Four local power generation projects are planned to power the data center and strengthen the region’s electric grid. These power generation projects will help keep energy investment, economic impact, and job creation right here in Nobles County and the surrounding area.
Projects
Plum Creek Wind and Storage
- Up to 351 MWs of wind and 800 MWh of storage
- $35.6 million in local and state tax revenue over 20 years
- $1.75 million in charitable funds over 20 years
- ~550 construction and full-time jobs
Lime Creek Wind
- 500 MWs
- $52.1 million in local and state tax revenue over 20 years
- $2.5 million in charitable funds over 20 years
- ~500 construction and full-time jobs
Plum Creek Wind II
- 400 MWs
- $42 million in local and state tax revenue over 20 years
- $2 million in charitable funds over 20 years
- ~400 construction and full-time jobs
Summit Lake Solar and Storage
- 200 MWs of solar and 800 MWh of storage
- $10 million in local and state tax revenue over 20 years
- $1 million in charitable funds over 20 years
- ~400 construction and full-time jobs
*Calculations based on current Minnesota tax for solar and wind facilities. Subject to change. Updated 04.06.2026.
Project Purpose
1. Why did we choose this site for the Nobles County PDP?
Short Answer: This site was selected because it aligns with existing energy infrastructure, land suitability, and regional renewable generation, making it a practical location for a powered data park.
Long Answer: Nobles County sits within a region that already hosts significant wind and renewable energy generation and has existing transmission infrastructure in place. Locating a data center near this generation allows electricity demand to be placed closer to where power is produced, improving overall system efficiency.
The site also meets the technical and operational requirements for a powered data park, including available land, electric reliability, and access to infrastructure, which reduces the need for extensive new off‑site upgrades.
By colocating the data center with new energy generation, the project creates local economic benefits through additional tax revenue, jobs and income for landowners hosting energy facilities.
2. Why do we need so many data centers?
Short Answer: Data centers are essential infrastructure that support everyday services people rely on, from emergency response and healthcare to banking, agriculture, education, and communications.
Long Answer: Nearly all modern digital services depend on data centers to store, process, and transmit information. As more aspects of daily life move online, demand for this infrastructure continues to grow.
Data centers support critical systems such as 911 dispatch, hospital records, financial transactions, cloud computing, precision agriculture, education platforms, and business operations. While artificial intelligence contributes to growing demand, the need for additional data centers extends well beyond AI alone.
As digital usage increases across all sectors of the economy, additional data centers are required to maintain reliability, security, and performance for the systems people use every day. The focus is not just on building more facilities, but on building them responsibly, with careful attention to energy use, infrastructure planning, and long‑term impacts.
Environment & Health
3. How much water will the data center use?
Short Answer: The facility will use approximately 4.3 million gallons of water per year for standard building needs such as restrooms and sinks. Cooling will be achieved through a closed-loop system, which recirculates the same fluid rather than continuously drawing new water — keeping ongoing water use to a minimum.
Long Answer: A 400‑megawatt data center will use approximately 4.3 million gallons of water per year for standard building functions such as restrooms, sinks, and other everyday uses.
Cooling is designed to minimize ongoing water use. The facility will rely on a closed‑loop cooling system, which continuously recirculates the same cooling fluid within a sealed system rather than drawing new water on an ongoing basis. It works similarly to a car radiator: heat is removed while the fluid is reused again and again.
The cooling system requires an initial fill of approximately 1.2 million gallons, which remains in the system and is reused rather than continuously withdrawn.
To put annual water use in context, 4.3 million gallons per year is roughly equivalent to:
- Seven Olympic‑sized swimming pools spread over an entire year
- The water use of about 40 homes
- Two commercial car wash facilities
We recognize that the county’s water resources are limited, and we will be a careful steward. Minimizing water use is a core design principle for the data center.
4. Will the data center affect local air quality?
Short Answer: The data center will operate with minimal impact on local air quality and must meet all applicable state and federal air quality requirements.
Long Answer: The data center is required to comply with all state and federal air quality regulations, and its day‑to‑day operations will not have an impact on local air quality. Under normal operations, data centers do not produce air emissions like industrial facilities. The primary source of potential emissions is backup generators, which are used during power outages and limited testing and maintenance.
Geronimo Power is planning to permit onsite backup generation in the form of approximately twelve 4MW Cummins engines. The future owner/operator may permit additional backup generation depending on final design and operational needs.
Backup generators are permitted and tightly regulated, operate infrequently, and are for emergency use when the grid cannot supply power. They may run for up to 100 hours per year, with no more than 50 hours occurring under non‑emergency conditions.
Generator use, testing schedules, and allowable emissions are all reviewed and controlled through the permitting process to ensure compliance with air quality standards. As with other aspects of the project, air quality considerations are evaluated as part of environmental review and ongoing regulatory oversight.
Overall, the facility will operate responsibly, with safeguards in place to protect local air quality.
5. What are the health implications of data centers to humans and surrounding ecosystems?
Short Answer: Data centers are not associated with known health risks to people or surrounding ecosystems. They do not emit radiation or hazardous materials and must meet state and federal health and environmental standards.
Long Answer: Data centers are regulated facilities that must comply with applicable state and federal health, safety, and environmental requirements. They do not emit hazardous air pollutants, release contaminants into soil or water, or produce radiation.
For cooling, closed‑loop systems use a water‑based solution that includes propylene glycol, which helps prevent freezing or equipment damage. Propylene glycol is widely used in everyday applications — including vehicles, aircraft, food products, medicines, and cosmetics — and has been classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as “generally recognized as safe.” It is not classified as a carcinogen by the EPA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or the Department of Health and Human Services.
If released into the environment, propylene glycol breaks down naturally in water and soil within a relatively short period of time, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The cooling system is sealed, designed to prevent releases, and will include a dedicated containment system.
Concerns about electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are sometimes raised. EMFs associated with data centers are comparable to those produced by standard electrical wiring and common household or commercial appliances and remain well below established public health safety thresholds.
Environmental factors (including air quality, water resources, and site conditions) are evaluated through environmental review and permitting to ensure appropriate protections are in place before a project moves forward.
6. What protections exist to prevent groundwater contamination?
Short Answer: The data center will use a sealed, closed‑loop cooling system with built‑in containment to prevent releases. Stormwater ponds are separate from the cooling system and are required to manage rainwater runoff, reduce flooding and erosion, and protect water quality.
Long Answer: Closed‑loop cooling systems use a water‑based solution that includes propylene glycol, which helps prevent freezing or equipment damage. Propylene glycol is widely used in everyday applications — including vehicles, aircraft, food products, medicines, and cosmetics — and has been classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as “generally recognized as safe.” It is not classified as a carcinogen by the EPA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or the Department of Health and Human Services. If released into the environment, propylene glycol breaks down naturally in water and soil within a relatively short period of time, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The cooling system is sealed, designed to prevent releases, and will include a dedicated containment system.
Stormwater ponds and drain tile are not part of the cooling system. Stormwater ponds are designed to temporarily collect and store rainwater runoff from roofs, parking areas, and roads, then release rainwater slowly back into nearby ditches, streams, or the ground at a controlled rate. The State of Minnesota requires stormwater ponds for all development projects that create at least one acre of new impervious surface. The amount and size of ponds is proportional to the amount of new impervious surfaces (roofs, parking areas, and roads).
Currently rain soaks into fields and soil or moves gradually across the landscape. Adding buildings and pavement increases how fast water will run off during storms. The stormwater ponds will mimic natural conditions by holding rainwater back, reducing peak flows that can cause downstream flooding, erosion of farm ditches, and damage to culverts and roads. The stormwater ponds will allow sediment to settle out and improve water quality before discharge.
7. Will the data center harm wildlife and habitats?
Short Answer: Environmental surveys have not identified any rare or protected species on the site, and potential impacts are reviewed by state agencies.
Long Answer: Environmental surveys completed for the project site have not identified any rare or protected plant or animal species. As part of the permitting process, potential impacts to wildlife and habitat are reviewed by local, state, and federal agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, to ensure applicable environmental standards are met. Where appropriate, site design, construction practices, and vegetation plans are used to minimize disturbance. Environmental oversight continues through construction and operation to ensure compliance with approved permits and conditions.
8. How will the data center ensure first responders are prepared?
Short Answer: The project will coordinate with local responders on emergency planning, training, and equipment needs.
Long Answer: The project will coordinate with local fire departments, law enforcement, and emergency medical services to develop an Emergency Response Plan tailored to the facility. This coordination focuses on preparedness, communication, and ensuring responders understand the site layout, systems, and potential scenarios they could encounter.
As part of this process, the project will work with local responders to identify training needs, planning considerations, and equipment requirements associated with the facility. Ongoing coordination helps ensure that emergency services are informed and prepared, and that response expectations are clearly established before the facility becomes operational.
Energy, Electric Rates & the Grid
9. How much electricity will the data center use?
Short Answer: The data center will use a significant amount of electricity — approximately 400 megawatts (MW), with the potential buildout up to 1,000 MW over time. This is why the project is designed as a powered data park, with new power generation built alongside the facility, so the project supplies the power it needs and does not shift costs to local ratepayers.
Long Answer: The data center will use a significant amount of electricity — approximately 400 megawatts (MW), with the potential buildout up to 1,000 MW over time. This is why the project is designed as a powered data park, with new power generation built alongside the facility, so the project supplies the power it needs and does not shift costs to local ratepayers.
This project is designed as a powered data park, meaning new power generation and supporting infrastructure are developed alongside the data center rather than relying solely on existing power resources.
The data center will be supported by four planned local energy projects, including wind, solar, and energy storage. These projects will serve the facility and will be connected to the regional grid, maintaining reliability for nearby homes and businesses.
Most electric bills are driven by fixed infrastructure costs — such as transmission lines, substations, and system upgrades. With a powered data park, the data center creates and pays for the new power and infrastructure it requires, ensuring those costs are not pushed onto local customers. Partnerships with Nobles Cooperative Electric and Great River Energy ensure the project pays its fair share and does not place undue pressure on local electric rates.
In addition to serving the data center, the added generation and battery storage can help support a more reliable and stable grid overall, benefiting the broader region over time.
10. Who takes priority in times of high power/electric demand? The data center or people?
Short Answer: Homes, farms, businesses, and essential services take priority. The data center connects to the regional grid but does not receive preferential treatment.
Long Answer: The data center will be connected to the regional electric grid, just like homes, farms, and businesses. Connection to the grid does not determine priority — reliability rules and utility operating standards do.
During periods of high demand, existing priority structures remain in place, with local customers and essential services protected. The data center does not override those rules.
The project is designed as a powered data park, meaning new power generation and infrastructure are developed alongside the data center. By adding supply alongside demand, the project will operate without reducing reliability for other grid users.
11. How will this project affect my electric rates?
Short Answer: The project will not increase local electric rates. Large customers like data centers are required to pay their share of system costs. While Geronimo Power cannot control broader factors that affect utility rates across the industry, the data center can help reduce pressure on rates for other customers.
Long Answer: Most electric bills are made up of fixed infrastructure costs — things like power plants, transmission lines, substations, poles, and wires. These are long-term investments that utilities recover over decades, and all customers contribute to them.
When a large electric customer connects to the system, they are required to:
- Pay for the new equipment and upgrades they need, so those costs are not passed on to other customers
- Contribute significantly to the utility’s existing fixed costs through ongoing electric service
Because of this structure, large customers spread fixed costs across more usage, which reduces pressure on rates for homes, farms, and small businesses. In that sense, projects like data centers support rate stability over time.
This does not mean electric rates will never change. Factors like inflation, labor costs, fuel prices, and supply chain challenges affect the entire electric industry and are outside any single project’s control. What we can commit to is that this project will pay its fair share — and will not shift its costs onto the community.
12. Will the wind and solar projects still be constructed if the data center isn’t built?
Short Answer: Yes. The wind and solar projects are independent, standalone generation projects and are not contingent on the data center moving forward.
Long Answer: The wind and solar projects are being developed, permitted, and evaluated under the same processes used for any traditional wind or solar facility. Their viability is based on established factors such as site conditions, interconnection, power markets, and permitting, not on the data center proposal. While in the local area, the power generation projects could ultimately serve a variety of customers, including a data center if one is constructed. The wind and solar projects do not require the data center to proceed and would continue forward on their own timelines regardless of if the data center is built or not.
Noise, Lighting & Appearance
13. How loud will the data center be?
Short Answer: As part of the AUAR process, sound studies will be conducted and provided to the County for review. All sound levels will be consistent with Minnesota noise standards.
Long Answer: The data center is designed with noise reduction built in from the start. Most sound associated with data centers comes from cooling and mechanical equipment, which is selected, engineered, and positioned to minimize noise.
At nearby residences:
- Nighttime sound levels are required to be below 50-55 decibels (dBA) — about the same as a refrigerator running in a quiet room.
- Daytime sound levels are required to be below 60-65 decibels (dBA) — comparable to a dishwasher.
These levels adhere to Minnesota noise standards and are consistent with common, everyday sounds.
Noise from backup generators is infrequent and temporary. Generators are not operated continuously and do not run as part of normal day‑to‑day operations. They are used primarily during emergency situations and for brief, scheduled testing. Routine testing occurs during daytime hours a few times per month and typically lasts only minutes to roughly a half hour, limiting both the duration and frequency of generator‑related noise.
Several design features will keep sound levels low:
- Cooling and mechanical equipment selected for low noise operation
- Equipment housed and positioned to limit sound travel
- Site design elements, including distance and landscaping, that reduce sound at nearby homes
Noise impacts will be evaluated using professional modeling during the design phase to ensure compliance with state standards. If monitoring or future conditions indicate additional mitigation is needed, further noise‑reduction measures will be implemented to maintain compliance.
14. What will the data center look like?
Short Answer: The data center will be a campus-style facility. The site plan includes setbacks, landscaping, and neutral building materials selected to reduce visual contrast and manage visual impacts.
Long Answer: The data center will be a campus‑style commercial facility with a deliberate site layout. While it will be a large facility, the design is intentional, with visual considerations addressed through siting and design choices.
Key design elements include:
- Generous setbacks to create distance from neighboring properties
- Landscaping, berms, and tree screening to soften views from nearby roads and homes
- Neutral exterior colors and materials selected to reduce visual contrast
- A campus‑style layout that organizes buildings to minimize land disturbance
Vegetative screening will be planted using native trees and shrubs that are well-suited to local growing conditions. While full maturity takes time, the screening will provide noticeable visual buffering within the first few growing seasons, with continued growth and increased effectiveness over time.
The rendering shared publicly is intended to provide a realistic sense of how the site could look, but it is not a final design. Elements such as building materials, layout, and landscaping will continue to evolve as county zoning standards and community requirements are adopted through the zoning text amendment process.
We are committed to being transparent about what is being proposed and to manage visual impacts where possible through thoughtful siting, materials, and long‑term landscaping. Visual considerations remain an important part of the ongoing public review process and will help inform the final look of the project.
15. How will lighting and glare from the data center be managed?
Short Answer: Lighting at the data center will stay within Nobles County standards and will be shielded and directed downward to minimize impacts on nearby homes and the night sky.
Long Answer: All exterior lighting at the data center will be designed and positioned to direct light downward and away from nearby homes and public roads. Direct or reflected glare will not be aimed toward neighboring properties.
The project will comply with Nobles County lighting and glare requirements, which limit how much light can reach surrounding areas. Under the current county standards:
- Light levels at the center of nearby roadways may not exceed 1 foot-candle
- Light reaching residential properties may not exceed 0.4 foot-candles
To put that in context, a footcandle is simply a way to measure how much light reaches a surface:
- A dim hallway is often around 5–10 foot-candles
- A well-lit office is typically 30–50 footcandles
The limits applied to this project are much lower than everyday indoor lighting and will prevent light spillover or glare from affecting surrounding properties.
Lighting design is reviewed as part of the county’s permitting process, and the facility will operate within these limits.
Land Use
16. How much farmland will this project use?
Short Answer: The data center site covers 640 acres, which is less than 0.2% of Nobles County’s approximately 346,087 acres of tillable farmland.
Long Answer: Nobles County has approximately 346,087 acres of tillable farmland (this number comes from the cropland number on the righthand side of the 2022 Census: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Minnesota/cp27105.pdf). The data center site itself is approximately 640 acres, representing less than 0.2% of the county’s total tillable land.
When including the full powered data park, which consists of the data center along with associated wind, solar, battery storage, and substation projects within Nobles County and that also span into Murray, Cottonwood and Redwood counties, the total land area is approximately 2,500 acres combined. While this represents a larger footprint, the vast majority of agricultural land in the county remains in active agricultural production.
Land use decisions are evaluated through county-led planning and permitting processes to ensure development occurs thoughtfully and in appropriate locations. The intent is to balance new development and infrastructure needs with the region’s strong cultural and economic foundation of agriculture.
Jobs, Taxes & Economic Impact
17. How many jobs will the project create?
Short Answer: Building the data center will create 1,000+ temporary construction jobs, and once operational, the facility will support 85+ permanent onsite jobs.
Long Answer: Construction of the data center will require a large workforce over multiple years, supporting more than 1,000 temporary construction jobs. These workers will spend locally during the construction period, at restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and service businesses in the area.
Once construction is complete, the data center will support 85 or more permanent, onsite positions to operate and maintain the facility. These are long-term jobs associated with day-to-day operations, mechanical trades positions, facility management, and technical support.
Together, construction and operations represent both short-term employment during development and long-term job opportunities tied to the facility’s presence in Nobles County.
18. Who completed the economic impact study, and how should it be used?
Short Answer: The economic impact study was prepared using independent third-party modeling, with local context applied by a regional development organization. It is one source of information and does not replace county review or local decision making.
Long Answer: The economic impact estimates for the project are based on data and modeling from Mangum Economics, an independent third-party firm that specializes in economic impact analysis. Those figures were not created by Geronimo Power or by local officials.
The Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) applied that independent analysis to local conditions, so the results reflect Nobles County and the surrounding region, including workforce characteristics, tax structures, and the local economy. That local application was intentional to ensure the study reflects real conditions on the ground, not just national averages.
The economic impact study is one input used to understand potential outcomes of the project and does not replace county review or local decision making.
Take a look at the SRDC Economic Impact Study here: SRDC_Nobles-County-Data-Center-Economic-Impact-Study_02_2026.pdf
19. How does sales tax work for the data center, and who pays it?
Short Answer: Under Minnesota law, data centers pay sales tax on the electricity they use and are subject to a new annual fee tied to their power usage. Certain software and IT equipment, which meets statutory requirements, may qualify for a state‑level sales tax exemption when purchased.
Long Answer: In 2025, Minnesota passed new statewide legislation that updated how data centers are taxed.
As part of that law, lawmakers eliminated the electricity sales tax exemption for data centers, meaning data centers do pay sales tax on the electricity they use.
The legislation also created a new annual fee based on a data center’s peak power usage. For a project the size being discussed in Nobles County, that fee would be approximately $3 million per year. The revenue from this fee goes into a statewide fund that supports energy conservation programs for low‑income households.
Separately, Minnesota extended an existing sales tax exemption for certain software and information technology equipment used by large‑scale data centers. This exemption is part of a broader state policy intended to maintain Minnesota’s competitiveness for data center investment and is administered at the state level.
Additional detail on how these policies were considered in the local economic analysis is available on page 41 of the SRDC Economic Impact Study: SRDC_Nobles-County-Data-Center-Economic-Impact-Study_02_2026.pdf
Community Commitments
20. What is the 10/10/10 Community Benefits Plan?
Short Answer: The 10/10/10 Community Benefits Plan is a $30 million commitment directly to Nobles County, made up of three separate $10 million programs that support residents, local priorities, and long-term community investment over the first 20 years of the project.
Long Answer: The 10/10/10 Community Benefits Plan is Geronimo Power’s framework for delivering long-term, locally directed benefits tied to the Nobles County Powered Data Park. It consists of three distinct $10 million commitments, each designed to address a different community priority.
The three “10s” are:
- $10 Million Charitable Giving Fund
A dedicated charitable fund totaling $10 million over 20 years of operation (approximately $500,000 annually). The fund will be administered by a local foundation, with an advisory committee made up of local residents recommending how every dollar is allocated based on community needs. - $10 Million Neighbor Shared Benefits Program
Direct payments totaling $10 million to residents living within two miles of the site, paid throughout development, construction, and operations. This program will ensure nearby neighbors directly share the project’s benefits. - $10 Million Community Development Fund
A $10 million fund dedicated to community identified priorities, such as childcare, housing, workforce development, education and trade programs, or other needs identified by local residents and leaders.
Together, these three programs represent $30 million pledged directly to Nobles County over the first 20 years of the project.
Important note: The 10/10/10 Community Benefits Plan is separate from and in addition to project tax revenue, jobs and wages, local business spending, and required road or infrastructure improvements. Those infrastructure investments are handled as separate capital expenses and are not funded through the 10/10/10 program.
Community input will play a key role in shaping how these funds are prioritized and used over time.
21. Are the community benefit commitments guaranteed, and how will they be structured?
Short Answer: Community benefits will be established through a variety of mechanisms including partnering with a local foundation for the Charitable Giving Fund, individual agreements between the project entity and landowners for the Neighbor Shared Benefits Program, and written agreements with local organizations to support other community needs and priorities as determined by local input.
Long Answer: The community benefit commitments will be formal, written commitments that are linked to the project.
Different components will be structured in different ways: · The Charitable Giving Fund will be administered by a local foundation. An advisory committee made up of local residents will work with the foundation to recommend how funds are allocated each year based on community needs and priorities.
- Payments for programs such as the Neighbor Shared Benefits Program and the Community Development Fund will be made by the project entity, separate from local tax revenue.
- These commitments are in addition to required taxes and any road or infrastructure improvements associated with the project, which are also funded by the project but handled separately.
As agreements are finalized, more detail will be shared publicly about how each commitment is structured and administered. Geronimo Power has implemented similar community benefit arrangements across other projects, and examples of those partnerships are available on the company’s website.
Ownership & Long-Term Responsibility
22. Has Geronimo Power ever built a data center before?
Short Answer: No. Geronimo Power will not build, own, or operate the data center. Our role is to develop the site, establish the permitting framework, and bring in an experienced data center operator.
Long Answer: This project is designed to pair Geronimo Power’s development expertise with specialized data center knowledge. Our role is to develop the site and establish the framework — including permitting, community engagement, zoning, and utility coordination — needed to support a successful facility. We will not build, own, or operate the data center itself.
Geronimo Power has been developing large-scale energy infrastructure since 2004, including projects throughout southwest Minnesota. That work involves the same complex requirements this project demands: multi-year permitting, state and county regulatory coordination, community engagement, grid interconnection, and environmental review.
Because this is Geronimo Power’s first data center project, we have engaged experienced consultant firms with specialized data center expertise to ensure the technical, operational, and design elements of the project are handled by people who know this sector well.
Once the site and permitting framework are in place, the facility will be constructed, owned, and operated by a reputable, experienced data center company. Because we will own and operate the local generation projects, we remain long‑term members of the community with ongoing accountability, not just a short‑term developer presence.
23. What happens if the company doesn’t follow through or leaves years from now?
Short Answer: Key project design elements will be written into permits and project agreements, making them enforceable and overseen by the county and relevant agencies over the long-term.
Long Answer: Concerns about long-term accountability are valid, especially given past experiences some communities have had with large projects. For projects like this, project design elements are not informal or voluntary — they will be documented as part of permits and other binding project agreements.
Those approvals are administered and enforced by the county and applicable regulatory agencies, not by the company alone. If a project moves forward, compliance with permit conditions continues well beyond construction and into long-term operations.
As the project progresses through the local review process, more detail will be known about how design elements will be reviewed, monitored, and enforced over time, including the enforcement mechanisms regardless of changes in ownership or corporate structure. The county and community will not be left responsible for unresolved impacts in the future.
24. Who will own and operate the data center in the long term (the end user)?
Short Answer: The data center will be owned and operated by an experienced data center company. Regardless of who that end user is, all permits, conditions, and commitments approved by the county will remain enforceable.
Long Answer: Geronimo Power will not own or operate the data center. Once the site and permitting framework are established, the facility will be constructed, owned, and operated by a qualified, experienced data center company (the end user).
Importantly, the project’s obligations do not depend on the identity of that end user. If the project moves forward, key requirements — including environmental protections, operating standards, and conditions approved by the county — will be written into permits and binding agreements. Those requirements stay in place regardless of who owns or operates the data center over time.
This structure is intentional. Large infrastructure projects are designed so responsibility follows the project itself, not a specific company name. Any future data center owner or operator would be required to comply with the same county-approved standards, safeguards, and long-term obligations.
County and state agencies oversee compliance throughout the life of the facility, ensuring accountability well beyond initial construction or ownership changes.
25. What happens if Geronimo Power’s ownership changes in the future?
Short Answer: A change in Geronimo Power’s ownership does not change the project’s legal obligations. Any approved permits and agreements remain enforceable regardless of corporate ownership.
Long Answer: Geronimo Power has been developing energy projects since 2004, including projects in southwest Minnesota. In 2025, Brookfield Asset Management acquired Geronimo Power, but the local project team and development approach remain the same.
More importantly, project commitments are not tied to company ownership. For the Nobles County Powered Data Park, key requirements and conditions will be documented in permits, approvals, and binding agreements that are enforced by the county and applicable regulatory agencies.
Those obligations remain in place even if Geronimo Power’s ownership changes in the future. This approach ensures long-term accountability and continuity, regardless of corporate transitions.
Large infrastructure projects are structured so that responsibility follows the project itself, not the ownership entity at a single point in time. The county’s review and permitting process exists to ensure protections and commitments remain enforceable over the full life of the project.
26. Who pays for infrastructure upgrades?
Short Answer: The project pays for required infrastructure upgrades, not local taxpayers.
Long Answer: Any infrastructure improvements required to support the project are funded by the data center. These costs are not paid for by the county, city, township, or local taxpayers. This approach ensures that existing public infrastructure is not burdened by new development and that any upgrades associated with the project are completed at the project’s expense.
27. Will construction traffic damage roads and disrupt neighbors?
Short Answer: Construction traffic will be managed under a Road Use & Maintenance Agreement, with road repairs paid for by the project.
Long Answer: Construction traffic and hauling activities will be managed through a Road Use & Maintenance Agreement. This agreement identifies approved haul routes, establishes construction standards, and outlines inspection and repair requirements to protect local roads.
If construction traffic results in road damage, the project will be responsible for necessary repairs or improvements, not taxpayers. The agreement also helps reduce disruption by directing traffic away from sensitive areas where possible and setting expectations for contractor behavior, timing, and compliance. These measures are intended to protect existing infrastructure and minimize impacts on nearby residents during construction.
Public Process
28. How can the public weigh in on this project, and what are the Text Amendment and AUAR review processes?
Short Answer: The project is entering required, county-led zoning and environmental review processes that study topics such as water use, noise, traffic, and land impacts. These reviews help the County make informed decisions about zoning and land use. Text amendments would be proposed by the County Planning & Zoning Board and forwarded to the County Board with a recommendation. The process includes formal public comment periods where residents can submit questions and feedback directly to the County. In addition, comments can be submitted anytime on topics of interest to the Planning & Zoning Board or the County either via the citizen’s comment portion of the agenda or by submitting comments in writing to the County.
Long Answer: Before permits can be issued, a Text Amendment must be approved, and the project must go through an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR), a Minnesota
environmental review process coordinated by Nobles County under state rules. The purpose of the Text Amendment is to establish clear and enforceable zoning regulations that govern whether and how data centers may be developed in Nobles County. The AUAR provides environmental analysis and mitigation guidance that informs the Text Amendment.
The AUAR evaluates and Text Amendment addresses topics the community has been asking about, including:
- Water use and infrastructure
- Noise, lighting, and traffic
- Energy and utility impacts
- Land use and surrounding conditions
As part of the AUAR, the county will release a scoping document that outlines which issues will be studied. When that document is published, a formal public comment period opens during which anyone can submit comments directly to the county. Those comments become part of the official environmental record and help shape the review.
Findings from the AUAR can inform:
- What conditions or safeguards may be required
- Zoning text amendments and ordinance updates
- What requirements must be met for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to be issued
The county will post information about comment periods, hearings, and meetings on its website, and we will share updates as those opportunities open.
Want an even deeper dive? Visit this page for more details.
29. Why are some project details still unknown at this stage?
Short Answer: Unlike projects developed behind closed doors, the Nobles County Powered Data Park is being discussed publicly while it is still taking shape. Some details are still being finalized because the project is in an early stage, but this open process allows the community to ask questions, provide input, and help shape and guide data center development in Nobles County.
Long Answer: Some projects are planned behind closed doors, meaning that project designs are determined privately, and when the project is announced, communities feel like decisions were already made without their input. That lack of visibility often creates frustration and distrust.
The Nobles County Powered Data Park is being developed with the doors wide open. From the outset, the project has been discussed publicly – before final designs, before permitting applications, and before the county’s establishment of zoning standards. This means the community is seeing the project while it is still taking shape, not after everything is decided.
A transparent, open-door process also means we don’t yet have all the answers. Because the project is early stage and zoning standards are still being developed by the county, some design details cannot be finalized today. We understand that uncertainty can be frustrating – but it is a result of transparency.
Keeping the doors open gives the community a real opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and help shape the standards and requirements that will guide this project and data center development in Nobles County.
We encourage community members to engage in the process – participate in public meetings, provide comments during the zoning and environmental review processes, and help guide how development occurs in the county. This input is not an afterthought; it is a critical part of building a project that reflects local values, priorities, and long‑term goals.
Our focus remains on staying connected with the community as planning moves ahead.
Reach out with questions
The Nobles County Powered Data Park represent a major opportunity for Southwest Minnesota — bringing jobs, tax revenue, modern infrastructure, support for agriculture, and long-term community investment.
If you have additional questions, our team is here to help.
Contact us at [email protected].
Geronimo Power’s commitment in Nobles County is to be a present, long-term neighbor by listening first, showing up often, and investing in what matters locally. We maintain two-way conversations through one-on-one outreach, volunteer efforts, school presentations, and public open houses.
Donated 30 jackets to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters in Southwestern, MN.
Sponsored a childcare provider appreciation event put on by CEDA, an organization contracted by Nobles County to address childcare needs.
Pledged a donation with Project Morning Star, a non-profit residential recovery facility.
Nobles Community Voices
CEOs of Geronimo Power and Nobles Cooperative Electric Discuss Nobles County Data Center
Nobles Neighborhood News
Upcoming Events
Open Comment Period
March 17 – April 16, 2026
Provide input on key topics and questions to be studied in the AUAR (Alternative Urban Areawide Review). Learn more here.
Past Events
Notice of Public Hearing
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Nobles County Public Works
960 Diagonal Rd, Worthington, MN 56187
A local public hearing to review the continuation of proposed text amendment to the Nobles County Planning and Zoning Ordinance to include Data Centers as a Conditional Use in the Agricultural Preservation area of the County.
Reading Community Open House
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Reading Community Center
26991 200th St, Reading, MN 56165
A gathering to provide neighbors in the Reading area with a dedicated space to ask questions, share feedback, and discuss topics most relevant to the households near the data center site.
Notice of Public Hearing
Wednesday, February 4 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Nobles County Public Works
960 Diagonal Rd, Worthington, MN 56187
A local public hearing to review a proposed text amendment to the Nobles County Planning and Zoning Ordinance to include Data Centers as a Conditional Use in the Agricultural Preservation area of the County.
Reading Community Open House
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Reading Community Center
26991 200th St, Reading, MN 56165
A gathering to provide neighbors in the Reading area with a dedicated space to ask questions, share feedback, and discuss topics most relevant to the households near the data center site.
Nobles County PDP Office Open House
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Nobles County PDP Office
(Former Nobles Co-op Electric Office)
22636 U.S. 59, Worthington, MN 56187
Approximately 20–25 Geronimo Power team members, along with partners from Nobles Cooperative Electric and consultants at Kimley-Horn and Westwood Professional Services, came together to welcome the community, answer questions, and share information about the project.
For more information, visit our virtual open house here.
Resources
Anticipated Commercial Operation Date
General Inquiries
Nobles County PDP Office
- 22636 U.S. 59
- (Former Nobles Co-op Electric Office)
- Worthington, MN 56187
Evening Office Hours:
Tuesdays | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Stop by to connect with our team, ask questions, and enjoy some cookies.
Morning Office Hours:
Wednesdays | 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Stop by to grab some coffee and donuts. Our team will be available to answer questions.
