Rhea data center proposal on public land raises power demand concerns
Rhea Data, a subsidiary of Arevia Power, has proposed a roughly 4 million-square-foot data center on federal public land south of Boise near Blacks Creek Reservoir. The early-stage proposal is drawing concerns about electricity demand, wildlife, water use and impacts on nearby public lands, while the Bureau of Land Management reviews the application.
Rhea Data, a subsidiary of Nevada-based Arevia Power, is proposing a data center of about 4 million square feet near Blacks Creek Reservoir and Interstate 84 south of Boise. The project is still in the Bureau of Land Management’s preliminary review process and has not been approved.
The proposal has raised concerns from Lisa Young, director of the Sierra Club’s Idaho Chapter, about impacts on wildlife, water, noise, construction and electricity demand. Idaho Power communications specialist Sven Berg said the utility has not yet included Rhea in its load forecast and that any service agreement would require planning and approval by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. Jarod Blades, field manager of the BLM’s Four Rivers Field Office, said the agency expects to issue a notice of intent around the end of 2026, starting a formal environmental review and public comment process.