Introduction to CloudHQ and its Querétaro Project
Querétaro, Qro. With initial energy secured, the installation of CloudHQ’s six data center campus is progressing. The company plans to invest $4.8 billion in this ambitious project, which will create 7,200 construction jobs and 900 direct jobs.
Securing Initial Energy
Keith Harney, CloudHQ’s Operations Director, confirmed that they have successfully secured the initial energy required to power the first 200 megawatts (MW) out of the total 900 MW electric load needed for the campus. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and the National Energy Control Center (Cenace).
Long-term Lease Agreement and Project Impact
With the initial energy phase secured, CloudHQ can now sign a long-term lease agreement with a global technology firm and proceed with construction. The data center campus, located west of Querétaro International Airport on 52 hectares, will host six data centers primarily for cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI), requiring 900 MW of critical IT load.
A private maneuvering substation will also be installed to support the energy network, providing up to 900 MW for the Querétaro campus. This investment marks CloudHQ’s first in Mexico, following collaboration with state authorities since 2021 to acquire the land for the project, initially announced in February 2021.
Relevance and Benefits of the Project
CloudHQ, with 23 global data center campuses valued at $17 billion, aims to strengthen Mexico’s position in digital economy development.
The project addresses resource concerns by implementing waterless cooling systems and adhering to LEED gold and silver design standards.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of investing in data centers to support AI and technology-related data processing. Her administration, in collaboration with CFE and Cenace, ensures energy supply for such investments.
Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón highlighted that CloudHQ’s investment will pave the way for AI adoption in Mexico, generating 7,200 construction jobs (1,200 per data center) and 900 direct jobs (150 per building). He also acknowledged the state government’s support for the project.
Water Supply Considerations
Regarding water supply concerns, President Sheinbaum mentioned ongoing discussions with the state government to identify water sources, as the Batán Agua para Todos project is currently canceled. Alternative solutions are being explored.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is CloudHQ’s investment in Querétaro about? CloudHQ plans to invest $4.8 billion in a data center campus with six centers, primarily for cloud computing and AI, creating 7,200 construction jobs and 900 direct jobs.
- Why is securing initial energy crucial for this project? Securing initial energy allows CloudHQ to sign a long-term lease agreement and proceed with construction, ensuring the project’s success.
- How does this investment benefit Mexico? The project supports AI development, creates jobs, and strengthens Mexico’s digital economy position.
- How are resource concerns being addressed? CloudHQ will implement waterless cooling systems and adhere to LEED gold and silver design standards.
- What measures are being taken to ensure a reliable water supply? The state and federal governments are collaborating to identify alternative water sources for the project.
