Querétaro attracts US$1.3 billion in investment amid data center expansion

Querétaro has secured US$1.3 billion in investment through 41 projects so far this year, according to the Secretariat of Sustainable Development (Sedesu). These projects, which are expected to create 10,000 jobs, are primarily concentrated in the automotive, aerospace, and information technology sectors. The state currently holds a portfolio of 48 additional unconfirmed projects that could represent an additional US$1.6 billion.

Parallel to this industrial growth, the state is managing the expansion of its data center infrastructure. Querétaro currently has 12 operational data centers with 18 more under construction. While these facilities represent an energy load of 250 megawatts, there is ongoing debate regarding their water consumption. Currently, data centers are classified as service companies and are not required to report water usage like manufacturing industries.

In response to concerns from civil organizations such as Oxfam Mexico regarding the impact on local resources, Sedesu is working with the Mexican Association of Data Centers (MEXDC) to establish measurement protocols. A trial period for measuring consumption will take place throughout the remainder of 2026, with mandatory public reporting expected to begin in 2027.