Proposed AI data center near Evanston advances as Prometheus courts major tech clients

A proposed artificial intelligence data center from Prometheus Hyperscale, planned just east of Evanston, Wyoming, is advancing with backing from local authorities. The project, touted as an economic catalyst for southwest Wyoming, aims to address resident concerns about its environmental impact.

Uinta County commissioners recently issued letters of support to executives at Meta and Microsoft, signaling Prometheus's intent to attract these tech giants as primary customers. The flagship development will encompass a large-scale data center and an integrated natural gas-fired power plant, with construction potentially commencing within six months following final permit approvals and spanning four to five years to completion.

Local leaders, including Uinta County Economic Development Director Gary Welling and Commission Chairman Mark Anderson, view the project as crucial for diversifying the region's economy, which traditionally relies on oil, gas, and mining, anticipating the creation of high-paying jobs.

However, the project has met with public scrutiny. An open house in June saw Uinta County residents express concerns over water consumption, environmental impacts, electricity demand, noise and light pollution, the influx of temporary workers, and national security implications. Prometheus officials, including founder Trenton Thornock, have addressed these concerns by stating the facility will use a closed-loop water-glycol cooling system, minimizing water usage to an amount comparable to 15 homes annually, and not drawing from the Bear River. The project also boasts significant job creation estimates, with Build Wyoming Director Eric Schlidt emphasizing its alignment with national AI capacity expansion and Wyoming's energy resources.