Could Data Centers Save Wyoming Coal? Peabody Eyes 'Holy Grail' Strategy
Peabody Energy is exploring pairing mine-mouth power generation with data centers at or near its Powder River Basin coal mines in Wyoming. The concept could create new demand for coal and jobs in Campbell County, but no specific project or construction plan has been finalized.
Peabody Energy is considering developing mine-mouth power generation to supply energy-intensive data centers in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. Investor materials describe the potential pairing as a way to generate revenue from higher-value land use, increase coal sales and collect project development fees while reducing transportation costs.
The proposal remains preliminary, with Peabody coordinating with federal officials, a prospective data center developer and state and local stakeholders. Converse County Commissioner Robert Short and Campbell County economic development director Rusty Bell said the concept could extend the life of regional mining operations and create power, transmission, electrical and data center jobs, although it would require billions of dollars in investment. The approach also aligns with Gov. Mark Gordon’s directive requiring large-scale data centers to fund and provide their own power.