Project Overview
The Southwest Renewable Data Center is more than a project—it is the blueprint for the future of global digital infrastructure. By unifying hyperscale data center construction with massive, dedicated renewable energy under a single general contractor, Mortenson is addressing the modern world’s greatest challenge: meeting exponential digital demand responsibly.
Key Takeaways
- Clean Powered from Day One: The vast majority of the campus’s energy needs will be met by dedicated, co-located wind and solar power, backed by advanced battery energy storage for 24/7 reliability.
- Economic Engine: In addition to generating millions of dollars in property taxes annually, every single direct data center position creates 9 additional local jobs including maintenance, security, the construction trades and more.
- Good Neighbor: Our rural location provides an expansive natural buffer. Additionally, data center buildings are strategically positioned to ensure sound dissipates at the perimeter, preserving the peace and quiet of the surrounding area.
- Self-Sustaining Workforce Hub: A residential facility is being built to accommodate a peak construction workforce of upwards of 4,000 people. The hub is designed to minimize traffic and impact on local infrastructure through self-sufficient utilities and dedicated transportation.
- Unified Power. Total Capability. This unprecedented project is made possible by seamlessly integrating 10 specialized Mortenson teams: BLU54, BLUvera, Civil, Data Center Solutions, Energy Storage, Engineering, Power Delivery, Solar, Supply Chain, and Wind.
- Delivery Method
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Design Build / Engineer, Procure and Construct
- Additional Project Facts
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Estimated Completion Date: 2028
Number of Buildings: 3 hyperscale data centers totaling 800 MW
Total Wind and Solar Power: 1,200+ MW
Digital Growth, Delivered Responsibly
Mortenson is partnering with a global technology leader to develop an advanced data center, wind, and solar campus. What sets this Southwest hyperscale project apart is its self-sustaining energy ecosystem. By pairing massive data processing capacity with onsite renewable generation and utility-scale storage, the campus significantly reduces reliance on the local grid. This integrated strategy proves that the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure can happen in tandem with environmental stewardship.
We’re uniquely positioned — both in the work that we do and how we do it — to tackle something of this complexity and size and to handle challenges that go along with it. It’s another way Mortenson is leaning into smart growth for the future.
Did You Know?
Zero Local Cost
Backed by clean wind and solar energy, the hyperscale operator will fully fund 100% of its power consumption and cover all grid and utility infrastructure upgrades. This guarantees absolutely zero cost is passed on to local residents.
Cooling Without Consumption
By utilizing advanced, closed-loop technology, we avoid evaporative cooling and restrict water use entirely to essential domestic needs like restrooms. Furthermore, a $10 million community water infrastructure fund ensures we aren't just conserving a resource—we are actively investing in the region's long-term water security.
Community Partnership with a Lasting Impact
Beyond digital innovation, this project is designed to be a deeply rooted community partner. Mortenson and its partners are committed to creating jobs, stimulating the local economy, and investing directly in the people and places that host this landmark facility.
Local Investment & Engagement
- Direct Support for Community Priorities: Active financial and volunteer support for local literacy centers, K-12 school programs, blood drives, animal shelters, and the regional 4-H foundation.
- Grassroots Collaboration: Building transparent, long-term relationships with community organizations, local leaders, and nonprofit partners to ensure the project remains a good neighbor.
The Economic Ripple Effect
The economic benefits extend far beyond the campus perimeter. In addition to generating millions of dollars in property taxes annually, every single direct data center position creates nine additional jobs across the local community in fields including maintenance, security, the construction trades and more.
The result is a project built not just to power the modern digital world, but to foster a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous local community for generations to come.
Mortenson’s Scope of Work
- Site Grading and Preparation
Grade and prep sites for construction, including earthwork, drainage, and erosion control - Offsite Improvements
Bring utilities and infrastructure to the site, build roads, and prep for development - Modular and Prefab Solutions
Offsite build of electrical, modular, and MEP systems to speed up delivery - Data Center Core and Shell Construction
Construct the structural shell, including foundation, walls, roof, and basic utilities - Data Center Fit Out
Complete interiors with power, cooling, IT, security, and MEP systems - Renewable Energy
Deliver solar, wind, and battery storage solutions to sustainably power data centers - Site Electrical Distribution
Build medium voltage systems, duct banks, and grounding with utility coordination - Substation Construction
Procure and build substations and transmission systems to meet power needs - Network ISP and OSP
Install fiber, duct banks, and cabling for full connectivity