Data center part of $66B plan
A data center under construction near Lost Cabin is described as the first phase of a planned $66 billion development involving multiple facilities and substantial on-site power generation. Fremont County officials are concerned about potential impacts on land, water, wildlife and residents, but the county currently has limited authority because it lacks data center zoning regulations.
A data center project near Lost Cabin in Fremont County is reportedly the first phase of a much larger development valued at $66 billion. The initial facility has received approval from the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality's Air Quality Division for backup generators, with power expected from High Plains. Future phases could include multiple campuses and as much as 500 megawatts of natural-gas-generated power dedicated to the data centers rather than the electric grid.
County officials said the project has faced few local permitting requirements because Fremont County lacks zoning regulations governing data centers. Planning Director Steve Baumann identified Aethel Energy and ETC DC OpCo as parties connected to the project, while Electio Technologies shares an address with ETC DC OpCo. Commissioners raised concerns about the development's potential effects on water, land, migrating animals, cattle and residents and are considering whether to create new regulations. The project may also require review by the Wyoming Industrial Siting Commission.