Natural gas leads race to fuel Wyoming’s spiking data-center driven electrical demand
Wyoming is facing a significant surge in electrical demand, primarily driven by planned AI computing data centers. To meet this, the state is pursuing multiple natural gas-fueled power projects, which could increase electrical output by 74%. This shift is occurring as coal power declines and wind/solar projects face delays.
Wyoming is experiencing a substantial increase in electrical demand, largely due to the development of AI computing data centers. Prometheus Hyperscale, for instance, is planning campuses in Natrona and Uinta Counties that are projected to require a combined 2,500 megawatts. This growing demand is prompting a significant pivot in the state's energy strategy towards natural gas.
Current proposals include approximately seven natural gas power generation projects across Wyoming, which collectively could add about 8,700 megawatts to the state's grid. This represents a 74% boost to Wyoming's existing 11,800 megawatts capacity. Rolling Cedar LLC, a joint venture between North Carolina-based 8 Rivers and New Jersey-based Kindle Energy, is a key player, proposing a 430-megawatt natural gas plant in Converse County, with potential for another.
Many of these new natural gas facilities are envisioned for "off-grid" applications, directly serving high-load customers like data centers. Rob Creager, Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority, confirmed the increasing interest in "third-party" electrical generation driven by these large prospective consumers. This move towards natural gas comes as the output from Wyoming's traditional coal-fired power plants is at an all-time low, and planned wind and solar projects face construction delays primarily due to rising material costs and supply chain constraints.