This AI data center will generate as much heat as 23 atomic bombs EVERY day! 2026

In northern Utah, in a dry valley near the famous Great Salt Lake, an ambitious plan for an artificial intelligence data center has sparked strong reactions. The so-called Stratos project, fronted by investor Kevin O'Leary, known from the show Shark Tank, is planned to cover more than 160 thousand acres in Box Elder County. This colossal data center will require approximately 9 gigawatts of electrical power, more than the entire state of Utah consumes today!

Supporters of the project are presenting it as a big step for American superiority in artificial intelligence and national security. O'Leary has said he doesn't think there is a better site in the world for such a use, arguing that the project will show China and the rest of the world that the US is moving decisively. The first stage of Stratos is estimated to cost more than $4 billion and could take years to build. Although environmental and building permits are still required, Box Elder County commissioners have already approved the project, and Gov. Spencer Cox has backed it, but promised tighter oversight after the backlash.

The plan calls for the data center not to rely on Utah's existing power grid. Instead, it will have its own power plant, likely powered by natural gas from the Ruby Pipeline, which runs through the area. This may reduce concerns about household electricity bills, but it does not answer one of the key questions: what will be done with the heat that will be continuously generated by such a large installation.

The floor plan of the proposed project:

Robert Davies, a physics professor at Utah State University, has estimated that the project could generate a total thermal load of about 16 gigawatts. Simply put, "heat load" is the amount of heat that must be removed from a system in order to keep it running. Davies compared this energy to about 23 atomic heat bombs that would be dropped into the local environment every day. Preliminary estimates call for temperatures to rise by 2 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 8 to 12 degrees at night, while Davies has warned that some scenarios could lead to even greater nighttime warming.

Night heat is of particular importance in desert and semi-arid ecosystems. Cooler nights help condense moisture, offering small but critical amounts of water to plants and animals. Ben Abbott, a professor of ecology at Brigham Young University, warned that such a shift could fundamentally alter the landscape.

At the same time, water use remains a critical point of contention. Local authorities have said that the Stratos will use "closed loop" water, meaning a system where water is reused instead of constantly being discarded. But critics say the overall needs remain unclear. An initial proposal to use water from the Salt Wells spring was withdrawn after nearly 4,000 objections. West GenCo reports that it has identified potential water sources, including additional rights from Snowville, totaling enough to supply the basic needs of over 20,000 Utah households! Yes, the datacenter will need as much water as all the households in the state combined!

Environmental concerns are also linked to the Great Salt Lake, which is already shrinking due to water diversions for agriculture, irrigation and other uses. As its level recedes, parts of the seabed are exposed, from where the wind can carry dust with pollutants, such as arsenic, towards populated areas. O'Leary has dismissed fears that the project will drain the lake, saying the goal is to create jobs.

Overall, residents are concerned about water, air quality, emissions, noise and heat. O'Leary has accused the protesters of being paid outside protesters, which local opponents reject. The Box Elder Accountability Referendum group is trying to overturn the project's approval, gathering 5,422 signatures of registered voters to put the issue on the November ballot.

Stratos raises a larger question for the age of artificial intelligence: who ultimately benefits from the massive infrastructures that support it, and who lives with the consequences of the colossal data centers that are constantly being built?

SOURCE

Must-Visit Websites for Every Interest

The internet is vast, but finding truly useful and entertaining sites can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you're looking for high-performance gear, unique collectibles, home security solutions, or professional equipment, we've curated a list of top-tier websites that deliver exceptional value. Explore these handpicked destinations across various niches—from outdoor sports and home improvement to gaming culture and fashion—each offering something unique for enthusiasts and casual browsers alike.

Gear Up for Action and Adventure

For outdoor enthusiasts and tactical sports fans, airsoft-gear.net is your ultimate destination for premium airsoft equipment. Their extensive catalog features everything from protective vests and goggles to high-performance replicas, ensuring you're battlefield-ready. Meanwhile, motorsport lovers will find their perfect match at riderace.net, offering top-quality racing gear, accessories, and apparel designed for speed and safety on the track.

Style, Collectibles, and Pop Culture

Anime and manga enthusiasts shouldn't miss anime-toy.com, a treasure trove of authentic figures, plushies, and limited-edition merchandise from beloved series. For fans of the hit series specifically, jujutsu-kaisen-merch.com offers an exclusive collection of apparel, accessories, and collectibles featuring your favorite characters. If retro gaming is more your speed, retro-games.co brings back the golden era with vintage consoles, classic cartridges, and nostalgic accessories. And for creative builders of all ages, building-blocks-toy.com offers endless possibilities with compatible brick sets that spark imagination and engineering skills.

Enhance Your Home and Lifestyle

Home security is paramount, and alarmes-maison.eu provides state-of-the-art alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and smart home solutions to protect what matters most. For premium leather goods and materials, leder-kaufen.com offers high-quality hides, tools, and supplies for crafting, restoration, or fashion projects. Upgrade your living space with stylish and functional furniture from shop.grandgoldman.com, featuring everything from modern sofas to elegant dining sets.

Professional Resources and Everyday Essentials

Professionals and students will appreciate taschenrechner.co, a specialized store for scientific calculators, graphing tools, and office supplies that make work and study more efficient. For innovative branding and promotional products, walfosbrand.com delivers custom merchandise solutions that elevate business identity. Creative professionals and tech enthusiasts should explore matrix-studios.com, a hub for design, development, and multimedia production services. Finally, job seekers and employers can connect through yourehyred.com, a dynamic platform that streamlines the hiring process and helps talented individuals find their dream roles.

No matter your passion or need, these websites offer quality, variety, and reliability. Bookmark them today and discover a world of possibilities at your fingertips!