Prometheus Hyperscale Data Center asks Natrona County commission for industrial park designation

Prometheus Hyperscale, a data center company, presented a request to the Natrona County commission for an industrial park designation for a 940-acre site south of I-25. The proposed data center, now entirely within Natrona County, aims to streamline the lengthy Industrial Siting Council (ISC) process through this designation, although environmental and regulatory requirements would remain.

Trenton Thornock, founder of Prometheus Hyperscale, and Eric Schlidt, director of Build Wyoming, outlined the project's potential economic benefits, including 3,000 construction jobs, 150 long-term jobs, and significant tax revenue. Prometheus Hyperscale plans to use a closed-loop cooling system and water wells for minimal water consumption, avoiding municipal supplies and sewer systems. The company also announced a partnership with Mesa Power Solutions for natural gas generators to provide onsite electricity.

The request follows a similar attempt with Converse County commissioners, which was rescinded after the Wyoming Attorney General and Converse County Attorney found the county lacked authority to create such exemptions outside of zoning. Natrona County commissioners took no action on the current request, indicating that Prometheus would still need to go through Natrona County Planning and Zoning for final approval. Commissioner Peter Nicolaysen raised concerns about the county's negotiating leverage on community benefit agreements if permits are fully granted beforehand.

The proposal received mixed reactions from Natrona County residents, with some expressing worries about noise, traffic, and pollution, while others highlighted the economic development opportunities. A straw poll conducted by Commissioner Dallas Laird showed a split among the attendees.