Wyoming Has Questions About Proposed Data Centers

Cheyenne, Wyoming, is currently experiencing a significant surge in proposed data center developments, fueled by the escalating demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Major projects include an $800 million-plus campus planned by Meta, a 1.8-gigawatt AI facility from Crusoe Energy and Tallgrass, and extensive expansion plans by Microsoft covering 3,200 acres near and within the High Plains Business Park and south of Cheyenne. These projects collectively represent billions of dollars in potential investment for the community. Despite the economic promise, the rapid influx of data centers has sparked considerable questions and concerns among local residents, including the emergence of a movement to scrutinize or halt the developments. Primary concerns revolve around the substantial resource demands of these facilities. Developers are proposing to create their own power generation facilities to mitigate strain on Wyoming's existing grid, which residents fear is already overtaxed. However, the environmental impacts associated with this self-generation capacity remain a key point of discussion. Another critical issue highlighted is water consumption. Wyoming is an arid state, and data centers are known to use immense quantities of water, primarily for cooling servers to prevent overheating. The article notes that this usage is projected to rise sharply due to AI demands, with examples like Google's Oregon data centers consuming hundreds of millions of gallons annually. While some data centers are adopting closed-loop systems, air cooling, and using non-potable or recycled water to reduce their footprint, the fundamental question for Wyoming residents remains whether the state has sufficient water resources to spare. Listeners to 'Wake Up Wyoming,' a local morning radio talk show, have actively engaged in discussions, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into how much water and energy these facilities will truly require. The conversation around the long-term impacts and resource management for these proposed data centers has just begun.