Data center info and resources
What’s the deal with data centers?
A data center is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. Data centers are critical infrastructure for the storage and processing of information, and they support the global financial system, cloud services, machine learning, and AI.
They have always existed alongside the internet, but with the massive influx of AI usage (largely forced upon the consumer by built-in features on apps and websites), the demand has skyrocketed and massive data centers are necessary to support that demand.
Are they that bad?
Reporting tells us that these mega-sized data centers use more water and energy than most small towns, offset costs onto the consumer, create ambient noise similar to that of a jet engine, and whatever jobs are created during construction largely disappear. There’s no reason to believe Montana would suddenly start charging corporations appropriate property and income tax rates, so if all these claims are true, then I say we reject new data centers entirely.
What do they need to operate?
High-capacity electricity supply — Data centers run 24 hours a day and require a consistent power supply to operate servers, cooling equipment, and security systems. Data centers typically include on-site generators and battery storage to provide electricity during outages to prevent service interruptions.
Cooling equipment — Specialized systems remove heat produced by servers and other equipment, which may include air-based cooling, liquid cooling, or water-cooled systems depending on the facility design. Certain cooling systems rely on fresh water, which may increase pressure on local water resources and also may require additional infrastructure to support.
Digital infrastructure — High-speed fiber-optic cables and specialized network hardware allow data to move quickly between users, companies, and cloud services.
Physical buildings and security — These facilities are designed to protect sensitive equipment and data, often with controlled access, monitoring systems, and reinforced structures.
What is happening right now with montana data centers?
Northwestern Energy has been busy. NWE signs Letter of Intent with AI Data Companies
Overview of NorthWestern Energy’s 2026 Integrated Resource Plan
NorthWestern Energy’s Large New Load Tariff (LNL) Rule, proposed March 2026 — “Establishes a standardized process for evaluating and onboarding large new loads.”
Union Agreement: Agreement between data center developer and union federation thin on details.
Northeastern Montana Data Centers
Proposed crypto farm near Sidney would use unwanted natural gas from the Bakken to provide nearly 15 megawatts. NYDIG, a New York based Power & Bitcoin mining firm, already has two other data center projects in Montana. Here is their air quality permit.
resources for further Reading
Overview from Pew Research Center
Overview of land and water impacts of the AI boom.
Water Usage
Academic paper: Making AI Less “Thirsty”: Uncovering and Addressing the Secret Water Footprint of AI Models
Water Usage of Louisiana’s Meta Data Center
Drought Tracker
Montana DNRC Fact Sheet - How Much Water Is There and How Is It Used?
Fairfield, Montana is Running Out of Water
Energy Usage
For reference, 1 MW can power 750 homes for a year and Fort Peck produces 185.3 MW/year.
One home generally consumes 10,320 kWh/year, so Glasgow, Montana consumes an estimated 30,000,000 kWh/year, or 30 mWh/year.
The state of Montana consumes 315.3 trillion BTUs, or 91.4 gigawatts.
In 2022, US data centers ALONE consumed 17 Gigawatts of power.
Understanding the power consumption of data centers.
Data Center Trackers
