How Microsoft is expanding its Wyoming data centre strategy

The expansion from Microsoft builds on the technology giant’s existing presence in Cheyenne, as it seeks to strengthen Southeast Wyoming’s role as a growing hub for technology-driven economic development, innovation and job creation.

Microsoft said its expansion is made up of “two parcels” – approximately 200 acres located in Bison Business Park and 3,000 acres in Southeast Cheyenne. It expects the development to be a multi-year planning and development process, which includes several public hearings to hear from residents and align developments with local aspirations and needs.

“Since the development of our first data centre in 2012, Microsoft has been working to strengthen, not strain, the community of Cheyenne,” commented Bowen Wallace, corporate vice president, datacenters-Americas region at Microsoft. “We’re excited to continue our growth in the state, bringing more investment, opportunity and tax revenue to the community we’ve been a part of for more than 14 years.”

Across Cheyenne, Microsoft has already committed more than $68 million in completed and off-site infrastructure improvements. This has included projects like roadway and storm sewer improvements, trail roadway and greenway improvements, new pump stations and improved municipal water infrastructure, Microsoft said.

“[These] are critical for data centre operation, but they also make up the infrastructure systems that Cheyenne residents use every day,” the company said in its statement.

Mayor of Cheyenne, Patrick Collins, said: “This is the latest in a long line of investments that Microsoft has brought to the city of Cheyenne as a member of our community since 2012.

“Microsoft recognises the strength of our city’s workers, infrastructure and economy. This expansion represents the next decade of opportunity and tax revenue that secures the quality of life that residents of our city enjoy.”

The company added the community of Cheyenne can expect Microsoft to pay its way in order to avoid increases to electricity prices. It is also working to bring additional wind and other carbon-free electricity to the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) to ensure it is matching its fossil fuel operations with carbon-free energy.

Additionally, Microsoft plans to minimise its water use and replenish more than it has taken away, with chips within the data centre leveraging direct evaporative cooling.

“Microsoft is committed to being a good neighbour and active community member anywhere that it builds, owns or operates facilities,” the company said. “Today’s announcement may not provide all the answers to the questions residents of Cheyenne will have. More specific information will be shared during the multiyear planning and development process. We look forward to growing together.”

Microsoft looks to be moving full steam ahead in its data centre efforts, having recently announced new investments in Denmark and Singapore. It has also taken over a data centre site in Norway originally intended for OpenAI’s Stargate Norway project.

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