In Wyoming, the rapid expansion of data centers has sparked concerns about water usage, with local officials and residents questioning the potential impact on resources. Prominent companies like Microsoft and Prometheus Hyperscale are at the forefront of this development, planning facilities that could significantly increase the state’s electricity consumption.
Advanced Cooling Systems
Despite fears of excessive water use, data center developers are implementing advanced cooling technologies to mitigate their impact. Prometheus Hyperscale, for example, utilizes direct-chip and geothermal cooling, along with a closed-loop system using propylene glycol and water. This system requires refilling only once every six years, significantly reducing water consumption compared to traditional methods.
Trenton Thornock, CEO of Prometheus Hyperscale, emphasized that their technology does not continuously consume water, addressing concerns raised by the Wyoming Legislature’s Select Water Committee. The committee, along with Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins, discussed the industry’s reputation for high water usage and the need for transparency in resource management.
Economic and Environmental Balance
Mayor Collins highlighted the economic benefits of data centers, which provide high-paying jobs and boost the local economy without straining services or water supplies. Cheyenne’s existing data centers use about 200 acre-feet of water annually, a mere 1.48% of the city’s total consumption. Future expansions are projected to increase usage to about 3% of current levels, still within sustainable limits.
However, some residents and officials, like Wyoming Outdoor Council’s Auna Kaufmann, urge caution. They advocate for regulatory frameworks to ensure that new developments do not outpace the ability of small towns to manage resources effectively. Concerns also extend to the electricity required for these facilities, as the demand for power to support artificial intelligence and other technologies grows.
While the Select Water Committee did not take immediate legislative action, the topic will be revisited in August. The ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of balancing economic growth with responsible resource management, ensuring that Wyoming’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
