Giant Wyoming data center to guzzle 5x more power than residents, but the user remains secret
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Massive AI Data Center's Power Demand to Exceed Wyoming's Residential Power Use
Identity of Data Center's End User Remains a Mystery
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Is OpenAI Behind the Project?
Experts Predict High-Performance AI Hardware Inside Facility
Potential Ripple Effects on Utility Prices and Energy Exports
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A massive new AI data center planned for Cheyenne, Wyoming, is making waves, not just because of its massive power requirements, but also due to the mystery surrounding who will actually use it, as per a report.The proposed facility, a joint project between energy company Tallgrass and AI data center developer Crusoe, is expected to start with a power draw of 1.8 gigawatts, with the potential to scale up to 10 gigawatts, as reported by TechRadar. To put that in perspective, that's over five times the electricity used by every household in Wyoming combined, according to the report.Due to the huge energy demand, this new data center won't be tapping into the public power grid, as per TechRadar. Instead, the developers will reportedly build a dedicated energy supply, likely a mix of natural gas and renewable sources, to run the facility independently, according to the report. That might ease concerns about local blackouts, but it hasn't quieted all criticism.ALSO READ: Disney+ cancels Goosebumps series after two seasons: What's next for the horror anthology? Adding intrigue to the project is the complete secrecy about the end user, as per the TechRadar report. While neither Tallgrass nor Crusoe has confirmed who the data center is being built for, speculation is swirling.There are many speculations that point to OpenAI as the likely tenant as the AI giant has a history with Crusoe, recently teaming up for facility in Texas, described as the 'largest data center' in the world, as reported by TechRadar. That project reportedly draws about a gigawatt of energy, which is part of OpenAI's broader 'Stargate' initiative, according to the report.OpenAI has also been public about plans to build several gigawatts of data center capacity in the near future, but has not announced any presence in Wyoming so far, as per the TechRadar report. Crusoe has declined to comment to TechRadar on whether this new Cheyenne project is tied to Stargate or OpenAI at all, fueling more curiosity and speculation, as per the report.ALSO READ: Apple rumored to launch 12.9-inch MacBook this year at a price that will shock you - here are the details What is known is that this facility will likely house some of the most advanced AI hardware as industry experts expect it to house the fastest CPUs available, possibly in dense, rack-mounted workstation configurations optimized for deep learning and model training, as reported by Techradar.According to the report, these systems are power-hungry due to the design because each server node is capable of handling massive workloads that demand sustained cooling and uninterrupted energy.ALSO READ: Texas AI centers guzzle 463 million gallons, now residents are asked to cut back on showers While Wyoming state officials have welcomed the project, touting its potential to support local industries, especially natural gas, but others are raising red flags, as per the TechRadar report.Even if the facility powers itself, experts warn it could impact the broader energy landscape, as per the report. There are concerns that residents of Wyoming and its locality could face higher utility costs, especially if local supply chains or pricing models are indirectly affected, and even Wyoming's identity as a major energy exporter could be tested if more such facilities emerge, as per the TechRadar report.No one knows for sure yet. The companies involved haven't named the client, but many believe it could be OpenAI.Probably not directly. The facility will have its own energy supply, separate from the public grid.
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