AI data center proposed for Bonner Mill Industrial Park

Krambu is proposing an artificial intelligence (AI) data center at the Bonner Mill Industrial Park in Bonner, Montana. The company aims to repurpose the former mill site into a facility with a minimal environmental footprint, featuring an "AI factory." During a community meeting, Krambu representatives addressed public inquiries. CEO Justin Woods stated the project would utilize a closed-loop system for capturing heat and liquid, using it to cool the technology. He claimed this system significantly reduces water usage and is currently operating for the first time in Washington, though it is not yet in a data center of this scale. Community members expressed concerns about the project's water source, with the exact origin for supplying the data center's water currently unknown. Initial estimates provided at the meeting suggested approximately 1,000 gallons per megawatt of power. Discussions also covered wastewater treatment, which will either be handled on-site or in Missoula, subject to local regulations. The project's final size in megawatts remains undetermined, pending discussions with utility providers, which could take over a year. Woods indicated that because Krambu would connect directly to the grid, customer electricity rates should not be affected, addressing another community question. The company is also exploring partnerships with entities like the Department of Defense.