A proposed $1 billion AI data centre in Utah, known as the Stratos Project Area, could release heat equivalent to 23 atomic bombs per day, according to a physicist. The 40,000-acre facility, approved by Box Elder County, will be powered by a gas plant and consume up to 9GW of energy daily—nearly half the UK's total generation. Dr Rob Davies of Utah State University warns that the concentrated waste heat could raise local daytime temperatures by 1-3°C and nighttime temperatures by up to 6°C.
What Is a Data Centre?
Data centres house thousands of GPUs (graphics processing units) that power AI systems. These supercomputers require massive energy and water for cooling. Tech giants argue that AI will eventually bring about the 'singularity', but locals are concerned about energy usage and environmental impact.
Local Opposition and Controversy
When the site was approved on May 4, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds. County Commissioner Boyd Bingham told them: 'For Hell's sake, grow up.' Venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary, a project backer, claimed protesters were paid and bused in, though he didn't specify by whom. Campaigners have since filed a legal challenge.
The project's website states the facility will consume 'more than twice what the entire state of Utah currently uses' and that the remote desert location was chosen to reduce noise, heat, and light pollution. However, an impact analysis says Stratos could raise Utah's climate change pollution by about 50%, threatening the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and migratory bird habitats.
Developer Responses
O'Leary Digital says the site is 'built clean' with environmental protections, and that electricity demand won't raise bills or overwhelm the grid. The Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) stressed that the 9GW figure is a long-term target, with the first phase being much smaller. The project still needs approval from Utah's Department of Environmental Quality, which could take two years.
Dr Davies expressed concerns about public trust, noting that wealthy backers with financial interests are pushing data centres. He called for an independent assessment. The UK is also planning new data centres in locations including North Lincolnshire, Northumberland, Havering, Motherwell, and near Heathrow.
