Cal Poly Hosts Discussion on Data Center Development

Experts met at the Chumash Auditorium to analyze the resource demands and local impacts of new data center facilities.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Data Centers

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular industrial cooling unit and power infrastructure on a clean concrete pad. — Data center developers and university experts discussed the significant infrastructure and resource requirements needed to support new facilities during a recent conference. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you support the construction of new data centers in your local community?

California Polytechnic State University recently hosted Real Estate Day to examine the growing nationwide surge in data center construction. The event focused on site selection and the significant infrastructure requirements of these facilities.

Why it matters

Data centers require massive amounts of electricity and water to function, creating complex logistical and environmental challenges for local communities. The rapid expansion of these facilities has sparked significant public debate regarding infrastructure capacity and regional resource usage.

Large-scale data centers can require 200 megawatts of electricity, a load equivalent to the entire energy consumption of San Luis Obispo County. This demand accounts for nearly 10% of the total power output from the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant.

The players

California Polytechnic State University

This public university located in San Luis Obispo serves as a hub for academic and industry research.

Diablo Canyon

This nuclear power plant is the primary energy production facility serving the region.

The details

Industry leaders at the university conference explored trends in data center development and potential expansion on the California Central Coast. With over 5,200 facilities currently operating in the U.S. and 2,000 more planned, the sector is under intense scrutiny for its resource footprint.

The event was held at the Chumash Auditorium from noon to 5 p.m. on October 28, 2026.

The Tech Race

The proliferation of high-capacity data centers marks a significant shift in infrastructure demands compared to the historical power usage established by the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. This evolution challenges grid managers to scale generation to meet the needs of thousands of new facilities.

Local residents face potential impacts on power grid stability and utility resource availability as new facilities are planned nationwide. Understanding these demands helps community members engage in local planning and development discussions.

The takeaway

The expansion of digital infrastructure necessitates a closer examination of how local utilities balance industrial power needs with community demand. Residents should stay informed about regional zoning changes as the national count of data centers continues to climb.