Developer behind a massive data center near Delta says he can turn natural gas into water
Creekstone Energy is developing a massive data center in Millard County, Utah, near Delta. CEO Ray Connley claims they have technology to convert natural gas combustion emissions into 4,000 acre-feet of water annually, which is being reviewed by the University of Utah. The project is under construction, utilizing natural gas, solar, and geothermal power, and faces ongoing public opposition.
KSL's Inside Sources reported on a significant data center development near Delta in Millard County, Utah. Ray Connley, CEO of Creekstone Energy, the company behind what he describes as potentially the world's largest data center campus, discussed their innovative approach to water management.
Connley claims Creekstone Energy has developed and patented technology to convert natural gas combustion emissions into water, estimating over 4,000 acre-feet per year from a 2-gigawatt natural gas supply. This technology, aimed at making the data center self-sustaining in terms of water in the arid region, is currently undergoing an independent scientific review by professors at the University of Utah to validate its scalability and feasibility. The company has done the math, chemistry, physics, and simulations and is now engaging the university for the next phase of development.
The project is well underway, with 1,140 acres near Delta already zoned for heavy industrial use and a conditional use building permit issued. Construction activity is visible, including a gas metering station and road widening. Creekstone Energy also completed the zoning of an additional 5,000 acres of SITLA land adjacent to the site for future solar and geothermal power generation to support the data center.
Connley addressed public concerns and opposition to data centers, attributing much of the controversy to fear stemming from the advent of artificial intelligence. He highlighted the company's efforts to engage the community through open houses and events, stating they are addressing concerns such as viewshed impacts by adjusting development plans, like relocating a solar project to the west side of Highway 50. The data center is expected to draw power from natural gas initially, with solar and geothermal sources planned for the additional acreage.