Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics. Rather than keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device, cloud-based storage makes it possible to save remotely. Cloud computing is a popular option for people and businesses, allowing for cost savings, increased productivity, speed and efficiency, performance, and security.

Reno area has been named the fourth fastest-growing USA data center market. Northern Nevada’s burgeoning data center industry is getting yet another addition to its list of facilities.

Data center developer EdgeCore has started construction of its EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure, a data center developer and operator has started construction of its first campus in the area just east of Reno-Sparks.

The EdgeCore data center campus is being constructed on a 56-acre site at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County, the same industrial park that houses Tesla’s first Gigafactory and Switch’s Citadel data center campus.

EdgeCore cited the region’s proximity to the Bay Area — which allows for faster data transmission — as a key reason for its decision to build in Northern Nevada.

The company noted that Reno was named the fourth fastest-growing data center market in the United States by 451 Research.

Reno’s high ranking is no surprise, according to Clint Heiden, EdgeCore’s chief commercial officer.

“The demand for data center space in California continues to outpace the availability of land and power, so Reno’s location just 250 miles and three milliseconds away makes it an incredibly attractive option for the world’s largest cloud and internet companies,” Heiden said.

Northern Nevada also boasts options for renewable energy and lower utility power costs. EdgeCore has a utility power agreement with NV Energy.

Typically, the cost of ownership for a data center in the Reno area is about 30% lower compared to California, Heiden said.

Switch is the largest data center provider in Nevada, with DataBank and Deep Edge also having a presence in the state, while Novva is developing in the area. Google launched a Nevada-based cloud region in 2020. Apple operates a facility in Reno. Microsoft acquired around 275 acres near Reno last year.

EdgeCore’s construction project will include two data centers covering 1.5 million square feet. The campus will have a substation capable of providing 216 megawatts of power. For context, one megawatt of power capacity can typically power between 400 to 900 homes a year.

To reduce water usage — one of the environmental concerns raised over data centers — the EdgeCore data center campus will use a closed-loop, chilled water system to cool its facilities.

Amenities planned for the campus include a tech lounge with workspaces and a kitchen, dedicated office spaces and on-site parking with EV chargers.

As the growth of AI throughout all industries continues to push hyperscale demand roll out, Reno Cloud computing will serve the market with near-term power delivery at attractive costs with reliable renewable energy components. The highly desirable Reno market is important in addressing the challenges facing leading technology firms.