Data Center Information
Grundy County’s robust energy infrastructure and access to regional power generation make the area an attractive location for data centers. The region’s established transmission network and significant generation capacity provide the reliable, large-scale power resources these facilities require.
As interest in data center development grows, it is critical that the region establish clear guardrails to protect community resources while staying informed about projects proposed and underway.
Click the tabs below for more information.
Power
Grundy County is a net energy generator, producing significantly more electricity than is consumed within the county. Currently, the county exports approximately 95% of the energy generated in the region, which is transmitted through the regional grid and into the PJM Interconnection network, which serves 13 states and the District of Columbia.
As energy is transmitted beyond Grundy County and Illinois, it supports communities and businesses outside of our region.
PJM Transmission Network: https://www.pjm.com(opens in new tab)
ComEd Data Center Growth: Click here to view full sheet(opens in new tab)
ComEd New Transmission Security Agreements (TSAs): Click here to view full sheet(opens in new tab)
Water
Water is an important community resource that must be protected.
As technology continues to advance, the data center industry is increasingly adopting cooling systems designed to use water more efficiently.
One of the most well-regarded approaches is closed-loop cooling, which is typically filled once and then continuously recirculates the same water, much like the cooling system in your refrigerator at home.
To learn more about closed-loop cooling systems, please click here(opens in new tab).
Workforce
During construction, data centers create a range of high paying jobs in the construction and skilled trades, including electricians, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, and heavy equipment operators.
Once operational, data centers require a dedicated workforce of engineers, technicians, security professionals, and other specialists. They also create ongoing demand for contractors, maintenance, landscaping, janitorial, and other local services.
The economic impact of a data center extends beyond the facility itself, generating consistent demand for local businesses and service providers. For example, manufacturers, fabricators, and other suppliers may be attracted to a region because of the presence of a data center.
Additionally, contractors, employees, visitors, and customers can contribute to increased activity at local restaurants, hotels, retail businesses, and other hospitality and support services.
Regional Projects
Morris Technology Park - Led by Tract (Morris, IL):
https://morrisil.org/data-center-resources/(opens in new tab)
Aligned Data Center Development - (Coal City, IL):
https://coalcity-il.gov/data-center/(opens in new tab)
About Aligned and The Coal City Campus (opens in new tab)
Neighbor Guide(opens in new tab)
Loop Cooling System (opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
Equinix Data Center- Minooka Campus - (Minooka, IL):
https://www.minooka.com/news/posts/minooka-data-center-faq-and-fact-sheet/
Insights from Peers
ILEPI and University of Illinois - Data Centers in Illinois Economic Impacts and Key Policy Considerations- Click here to view full study(opens in new tab)
Elk Grove, IL:
https://online.fliphtml5.com/inylu/lbij/#p=1(opens in new tab)
WGN- The Workers’ Mic: Understanding Data Centers:
