Edged Data Centers has officially opened a new, state-of-the-art data center in Kansas City, Missouri. Located at 3420 North Arlington Avenue, the facility marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion and commitment to sustainable digital infrastructure. Initially announced in June 2023, the Kansas City data center has been upgraded from its original 18MW IT capacity to a more robust 26MW, offering substantial computational power to meet growing demand in the region.
What Sets the Edged Kansas City Data Center Apart?
Edged’s Kansas City data center is designed with cutting-edge sustainability in mind, utilizing a thermal cooling system that saves an estimated 95 million gallons of water annually compared to conventional cooling methods. The facility employs the innovative ThermalWorks waterless cooling technology, which significantly reduces water consumption while maintaining high-efficiency performance. Additionally, the data center boasts a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.15, further cementing its place as a leader in energy-efficient design.
The center’s sustainable approach aligns with broader efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of data centers while meeting the increasing needs of the digital economy. As companies and municipalities push for more green solutions, Edged’s commitment to sustainability places it at the forefront of this critical shift in the industry.
Economic Impact and Regional Development
The launch of Edged Kansas City also represents a major economic investment for the region. With an initial investment of $143 million, the project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for both Kansas City and the broader Missouri area. The facility will not only contribute to the local digital economy but will also create a variety of jobs across construction, operations, and maintenance sectors.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed pride in the city’s growing digital infrastructure, highlighting how the Edged data center is a prime example of the synergy between sustainability and economic development. “Kansas City is proud to be home to forward-thinking companies driving both environmental stewardship and economic development,” Mayor Lucas stated. “It’s why we are excited Edged is opening a brand-new sustainable data center in Kansas City.”
Collaboration and Construction Partners
Edged’s Kansas City data center was built in collaboration with several key partners. Burns & McDonnell, a renowned construction firm, handled the construction process, ensuring that the project met the rigorous standards set for both environmental and operational excellence. Utility providers Evergy and Spire also played integral roles, supporting the facility’s energy and utility needs.
Bryant Farland, CEO of Edged Data Centers, emphasized the importance of the Kansas City project as a step forward in the region’s commitment to sustainability and economic growth. He noted, “The project represents an important step in the region’s continued commitment to sustainable leadership and economic growth. Edged Kansas City represents a $143 million initial economic investment, bringing positive impacts to the city and region at large.”
Strategic Location: Kansas City as a Digital Hub
Kansas City is rapidly becoming a key location for digital infrastructure, with several major tech companies already having a significant presence in the area. Both Google and Meta have operations nearby, while Diode Ventures is planning a large-scale data center park in the region. This growing concentration of digital infrastructure positions Kansas City as a critical player in the U.S. digital economy, attracting further investment and technological innovation.
The Edged data center strengthens Kansas City’s role as a central hub for next-generation digital services. It will contribute to meeting the increasing demand for data storage, cloud services, and edge computing capabilities, all of which are essential to modern businesses across various industries.
Edged’s Broader Expansion Plans
Edged Data Centers, which was founded in 2021 as part of Endeavour by Jakob Carnemark, is rapidly expanding its footprint. Beyond Kansas City, the company has multiple data centers in operation or under development in major U.S. cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Columbus, and Phoenix. Internationally, Edged is making strides in Europe with data centers in Spain and Portugal, including Madrid, Bilbao, and a 24MW facility in Barcelona.
This expansive growth illustrates Edged’s commitment to providing sustainable, high-capacity data centers that can support the growing demands of global digital economies. As data center requirements continue to increase, Edged’s focus on scalability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility will likely attract further attention from industry leaders and investors.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Core
Edged’s focus on sustainability is not just about minimizing environmental impact but also improving operational efficiency. By leveraging advanced cooling technologies and energy-efficient designs, the company aims to meet the evolving needs of the digital infrastructure market while reducing its carbon footprint. With PUE metrics of 1.15 and the use of waterless cooling, Edged is setting a new standard for eco-conscious data center design.
The ThermalWorks system, which has garnered attention for its ability to significantly reduce water usage, is expected to become a model for future data center designs worldwide. This sustainable approach positions Edged not just as a data center provider, but as an innovator in the tech infrastructure sector.
FAQ
What is the capacity of the Edged Kansas City data center?
The Edged Kansas City data center has a capacity of 26MW, up from the originally planned 18MW.
How does Edged’s thermal cooling system work?
Edged uses a ThermalWorks waterless cooling system, which eliminates the need for traditional water-based cooling methods, saving up to 95 million gallons of water annually.
Where are Edged’s other data centers located?
Edged has data centers in major U.S. cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Columbus, and Phoenix, and has international locations in Spain and Portugal, including Madrid, Bilbao, and Barcelona.
How will the Edged Kansas City data center impact the local economy?
The $143 million investment in the data center is expected to create jobs, foster economic growth, and strengthen Kansas City’s position in the digital infrastructure sector.
What is the significance of Edged’s focus on sustainability?
Edged’s sustainable approach, including the use of energy-efficient technologies and waterless cooling, helps reduce the environmental impact of data centers while maintaining high operational efficiency.
