Cheyenne LEADS Issues Statement On Number Of Local Data Centers

It's no secret that data centers have become a hot topic in Wyoming and especially in Cheyenne and Laramie County.

Which begs the question--how many data centers are operating in Cheyenne/Laramie County? And how many more are in the works?

Cheyenne LEADS, a local economic development association, tried to answer that question on Thursday.

LEADS put out a news release that includes the following:

"To the best of our knowledge, there are currently 10 operational data center locations in Cheyenne and Laramie County, 5 under construction, and 9 additional projects in various stages of planning or due diligence. Our count is based on physical data center locations and campuses."

Some reports have put the number as high as 70 when all proposed data centers are included in the total. A map posted on the website datacentermap.com shows 32 centers in the Cheyenne area, although a large number are operate by one company, Microsoft.

LEADS Says Centers Designed For Efficiency And Sustainability

While the data centers in the Cheyenne area have become controversial among many residents, in part because of concerns about water and electricity consumption, the LEADS news release downplays those concerns:

"Cheyenne LEADS also reminds the public that modern data centers are designed to operate efficiently and sustainably. Many facilities use little to no water for cooling, and operators continue to invest in technologies that reduce both water and energy consumption. Data centers help diversify the local economy, expand the tax base, support high-quality jobs, and strengthen the infrastructure needed to support Wyoming's growing digital economy."