Massive AI Data Center Approved in Utah Will Use More Than Twice the State’s Power

A large-scale artificial intelligence data center project has been approved in northern Utah, with plans to generate and use more than double the amount of electricity the entire state currently consumes.

The development, known as the “Stratos” project, was approved by the Utah Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) and will be built in Box Elder County. The campus is expected to span roughly 40,000 acres of private land, along with additional state and military property.

At full capacity, the facility could produce up to 9 gigawatts of power. For comparison, Utah’s average electricity usage is estimated at around 4 gigawatts. Officials say the project will operate independently from the state’s power grid by generating its own electricity using natural gas connected through an interstate pipeline.

Developers say the off-grid setup is intended to avoid strain on existing infrastructure, and there is potential for excess power to eventually be fed back into the grid.

The project is being led by O’Leary Digital, a company tied to investor Kevin O’Leary. During discussions, O’Leary emphasized the growing global demand for AI infrastructure and the need for the U.S. to remain competitive.

Initial construction is expected to bring significant economic impact, with projections of around 2,000 permanent jobs once the facility is fully operational. Local officials also anticipate substantial tax revenue for Box Elder County and the state over time.

The project will be built in phases, with the first stage expected to generate about 3 gigawatts of power before expanding to full capacity.