A massive AI data center is planned for construction near Cheyenne, Wyoming, which would consume more electricity than all homes in the state combined. The facility, a joint venture between Tallgrass and Crusoe, would start with 1.8 gigawatts of power and scale up to 10 gigawatts. To put this into perspective, the initial phase would use 15.8 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, which is more than five times the electricity used by every household in Wyoming.
The data center would consume 91% of Wyoming's current electricity usage, which is 17.3 terawatt-hours, in its initial phase. The project would rely on dedicated gas generation and renewable energy sources to meet its massive power needs. Wyoming produces 12 times more energy than it consumes, dominated by fossil fuels, and currently exports nearly 60% of its generated power to other states.
Although the ultimate tenant is undisclosed, speculation links the center to OpenAI's expanding AI infrastructure, particularly its Stargate program. The project is expected to generate substantial economic returns, with every dollar invested in AI potentially yielding $4.60 in benefits. However, the increased energy demand may lead to higher electricity bills for local customers.
The data center represents a fundamental shift for Wyoming, transforming it from a net energy exporter to a significant consumer. While the project aims to reduce emissions, its massive demand for electricity raises questions about the state's energy production and consumption.
