Minnesota: Xcel property in Becker, Minnesota to house big data center project?

A $1 billion data center project could be on the way to Becker, Minnesota, as Xcel Energy Inc. announces plans to sell 348 acres of land at its Sherco location to an unknown data center company. This company is currently going by the name Elk River Technologies and was reportedly incorporated in May. Further information about the company and the project is unknown; however, it has been confirmed that the project is not related to cryptocurrency mining.

According to Xcel, in conversation with the Star Tribune, the facility would have 100 full-time employees, creating more than 1,200 building trades jobs. Sherburne County Administrator Bruce Messelt said: "It's a pretty big deal for Xcel, and it is a big economic development project [for the area]." 

While Google is working on a long-planned facility nearby on land owned by Xcel, the company has confirmed this new project is separate.