Google data center near Sharon (Project Helium)
Also called: Project Helium
Google plans its first Kansas data center, a 1.7 million square foot building near Sharon in Barber County. It will be air-cooled and cannot drill new water wells. Google will pay full property taxes and guarantees at least 300 jobs. Operations should start in 2030.
Where things stand: County commission approved the agreements 2-0-1 on Aug. 31, 2026. Construction to start in early 2027.
🕒 Latest update (Aug 31, 2026): County commission approved development, road use and decommissioning agreements with Google (2-0-1).
What we know
- 📍 WhereNear Sharon, about 8 miles east of Medicine Lodge, Barber County
- 🏢 CompanyGoogle
- 🏛️ Owned byAlphabet
- 👤 Built forGoogle
- 💧 WaterRegulated municipal utility; no new wells allowed
- ❄️ CoolingClosed-loop air cooling, not water cooling
- 💸 Tax breaksCounty says Google will pay 100% of property taxes, no abatement (about $327.5 million to local governments over 20 years), plus $5.5 million in community payments.
- 👷 Jobs promised300
❓ Still unanswered
Nobody has answered these in public yet. Can you help find out?
- How many megawatts will Project Helium use, and which utility supplies it? 🙋 I'll find out
- Will new power lines be built? 🙋 I'll find out
- How many diesel backup generators will it have? 🙋 I'll find out
What happened so far
- Jan 12, 2026Google presented the project at a Barber County public hearing.
- Aug 31, 2026County commission approved development, road use and decommissioning agreements with Google (2-0-1).
Local votes and rules
🤝 Agreement with the company
County commissioners voted 2-0-1 to approve development, road use and shutdown (decommissioning) agreements with Google for Project Helium near Sharon. Google guarantees at least 300 jobs.
An aerial photo of the area.
Where this comes from
- Barber County Commissioners Announce Agreement Terms for Project Helium Data Center Development · Barber County · Aug 31, 2026
- Barber County Commission approves agreement for Google data center · KWCH 12 · Aug 31, 2026
- Data Center (Project Helium documents) · Barber County · 2026
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