Caption for image above: An AI representation of the soon to be built center in Wyoming. (Image generated by ChatGPT)
Plans for a new artificial intelligence data center have been unveiled for near Cheyenne. This AI center would use more electricity than all the homes in Wyoming combined, with current plans to expand five times beyond that according to the Associated Press. Wyoming has long been known as an energy hub and data storage hub alike due to the cool climate and wide open spaces. The extensive amounts of electricity produced in Wyoming also contribute to the advantageous nature of putting large-scale data centers here.
With Microsoft, Meta, and other companies establishing centers in Wyoming over the last decade and into the current day, the industry of data storage is growing rapidly. With the newest Tallgrass installment using 1.8 gigawatts of electricity with the potential to grow to 10, this will be one of the largest scale center projects in the region. With Wyoming in 4th place for energy production, this should be no problem. However, internal energy infrastructure is lackluster here, due to such a low population.
The only solution has been determined to be giving the center its own specific energy source from nearby gas and renewable energy. Many are speculating that this could be one of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGTP’s much awaited Stargate data centers. This would not be entirely out of the question, as companies are frequently contacting Cheyenne and other Wyoming towns to inquire about the potential for projects. Cheyenne has open space, energy sources, and fiber optics, allowing for something of this scale to be entirely feasible.
With Tallgrass being a Wyoming based company and the project generating extensive revenue, this will likely further boost the growing utility industry in Wyoming. This will boost innovation and create jobs, encouraging the pro-growth stance that many Wyoming government officials have been advocating for. With being such a small state with little access to the growing urban sectors of many other states, remaining at a forefront for technology and energy innovation keeps Wyoming relevant.
For UW students, this project means further access to data and computing power, hundreds of jobs in technology and energy, and a boosted local economy from diversifying out of just resources. This can translate into more opportunities for students and a stronger incentive to remain local after graduation.
Overall this project will utilize both natural gas and carbon capture technology, making it relatively sustainable while also maximizing cost efficiency. It will generate high amounts of labor opportunities while also further cementing Wyoming as a hub for data centers due to energy availability and climate. With open spaces and open opportunities, many other companies will likely be storing data centers in Wyoming as time goes on. Wyoming has long needed to diversify its economy and expand beyond just energy and agriculture. With the engineering sector having been a focus and other fields growing in tow, this project will create local industries. Students will be able to help expand the relevance of Wyoming and branch into their respective fields without moving to neighboring states.
The project is waiting on approval at this time, with the announcement having just released of plans regarding it. With the amount of energy needed and the scalability, it will likely take some time to approve and complete. This being said, effects will be seen in labor forces and industry opportunities the moment construction plans begin.
