Power Supply Challenges Loom Over Proposed Great Falls Data Center

A bold new data center project is eyeing empty land near Great Falls, squeezed between a key air force base and the winding Missouri River.

This ambitious plan could demand up to 600 megawatts of power supply, positioning it as Montana's biggest tech hub yet.

Developers envision a sprawling 2-million-square-foot facility that promises around 200 steady jobs for the local community.

Yet, the heart of the debate centers on sourcing that enormous energy load in a region where current grids fall short.

Environmental advocates worry about relying on coal or gas, fearing higher bills and pollution for everyday Montanans.

Options like on-site natural gas plants carry hefty price tags, echoing recent builds that topped hundreds of millions.

Renewable shifts, inspired by past moves away from coal-dependent operations, offer a greener path but demand major infrastructure upgrades.

NorthWestern Energy, the state's main utility, is deep in studies to assess transmission capabilities and funding for expansions.

Amid rising electricity costs, critics highlight the risk of burdening ratepayers to support these high-demand tech giants.

As AI and cloud computing boom, this proposal underscores Montana's tug-of-war between economic growth and sustainable power supply.

With timelines aiming for completion by 2030, local leaders urge careful planning to balance innovation with community needs.

Recent discussions in nearby areas reveal similar tensions, where data centers could double utility demands by decade's end.

The push for oversight grows, as regulators demand proof that such deals won't strain the grid or hike prices unfairly.

In Great Falls, this could reshape the landscape, blending opportunity with the stark realities of energy limits.