AI in Wyoming may soon use more electricity than state's human residents

A massive AI data center near Cheyenne, a joint venture between Tallgrass and Crusoe, will initially consume 1.8 gigawatts, equaling 15.8 terawatt-hours annually—surpassing Wyoming’s total residential electricity use. At full capacity, the facility could scale to 10 gigawatts, using 87.6 terawatt-hours, doubling the state’s current energy production of 43.2 terawatt-hours. This unprecedented demand, five times the state’s household consumption, cannot rely on the public grid. Instead, dedicated gas and renewable energy sources will power the site, potentially straining local energy infrastructure and raising rates.

Governor Gordon hailed the project, stating, “This is exciting news for Wyoming and for Wyoming natural gas producers,” emphasizing its boost to the state’s gas industry. Located south of Cheyenne near the Colorado border, the data center awaits regulatory approval but is poised for rapid development. Mayor Collins noted, “I believe their plans are to go sooner rather than later.”

Speculation links the project to OpenAI’s Stargate initiative, though Crusoe’s Schmitt declined to confirm, saying, “We are not at a stage that we are ready to announce our tenant there.” Wyoming, a major energy exporter, faces a transformative shift as this facility redefines its energy landscape.