Google outlines $17B Project Tembo data center campus planned for Laramie County

Google presented plans for its $17 billion Project Tembo data center campus in Laramie County, Wyoming, at a packed open house in Cheyenne. Eric Murray, Google's land acquisition and development lead, detailed the proposed four data centers, an office building, and other infrastructure, with construction potentially beginning later this year and full buildout by 2031. The project is expected to create 2,500 construction jobs and 250 operational jobs.

The project involves a partnership with Tallgrass Integrated Logistics Solutions LLC, which will build a power plant to support the campus. Google representatives emphasized their commitment to self-sufficiency, with Ellen Zuckerman, Google's head of energy regulatory work, stating they will pay direct costs for their energy supply and utilize fuel cells combined with carbon capture and storage. The facility, previously known as Project Jade and a former partnership with Crusoe, will use an air-cooled, closed-loop system for servers, requiring 20-30 million gallons of water annually for domestic and safety purposes, drawn from deep underground wells.

Water supply and infrastructure lead Joey Terrano assured attendees that water would be drawn from over 1,500 feet, below residential and agricultural aquifers, with wastewater treated on-site. Chris Ollson, an environmental health consultant, addressed noise concerns, citing Laramie County's 50-decibel property line limit. Google also plans to submit an air permit application for emergency diesel generators within the next month, with a public comment period expected next year. Public affairs manager Trystine Payfer noted Google is gathering community feedback to finalize a community benefits agreement, aiming for a long-term partnership with the county.