Kevin O'Leary backs controversial Utah data center project
Kevin O'Leary is backing a controversial multibillion-dollar data center project in Utah's Box Elder County. The project was approved by county commissioners but faces significant opposition from residents and politicians due to concerns over its environmental impact, and heavy power and water usage.
Kevin O'Leary, a prominent "Shark Tank" personality, is the principal backer and owner of O'Leary Digital, the lead developer for a contentious multi-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center project in Utah. The project, encompassing approximately 40,000 acres in the Hansel Valley of unincorporated Box Elder County, recently received approval from county commissioners.
The proposed development includes a data center and an energy plant projected to generate 7.5 to 9 gigawatts of power, which is roughly double Utah's entire current consumption. This scale has ignited significant public and political opposition, with critics primarily citing concerns over the project's environmental footprint, especially its considerable demands on electricity and water resources.
Thousands of residents have actively engaged in protests, signed petitions, and sent letters to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, urging state intervention. Despite this widespread backlash, O'Leary has publicly defended the project, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and enhance American competitiveness in artificial intelligence against China. The article also notes O'Leary's residence in Miami Beach, Florida, but confirms he has not announced or backed any data center initiatives in that state. The Utah project still requires federal and state environmental permits before proceeding.