SALT LAKE CITY — The Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) Board of Directors recently approved the creation of the Stratos Project Area in Box Elder County, advancing a significant energy and technology infrastructure project in Northern Utah and positioning Utah as a key player in strengthening America’s energy capacity and national security infrastructure. The Box Elder County Commission today also approved an interlocal agreement and a resolution to consent to a new MIDA project area.

The approved project area spans approximately 40,000 acres in the most western and unincorporated part of Box Elder County and is designed to support the development of a large-scale data and energy campus intended to power artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and mission-critical national defense operations.

At full buildout, the project includes planned capacity of up to approximately 7.5 gigawatts of power at the Utah site, positioning the state as a leader in next-generation energy and compute infrastructure.“Utah continues to lead the nation in innovation and opportunity,” said Governor Spencer Cox. “The Stratos Project Area represents the kind of forward-thinking investment that strengthens our economy, supports national security, and creates meaningful opportunities for Utah families, while being done the right way—in partnership with local communities.”

“Utah has earned its reputation as one of the strongest economies in the nation because of our vision and intentional planning,” said Senate President and MIDA Board Chair J. Stuart Adams. “We’ve built that strength by looking ahead and investing in the things that matter most. With demand for secure infrastructure and energy rapidly increasing, this project supports the free world through reliable energy supply while creating real opportunity for communities here at home.”

“We recognize this project as a meaningful step in strengthening the nation’s energy and data infrastructure in support of national defense,” said Michael Moore, Director of Staff, Hill Air Force Base, 75th Wing Command. “We also appreciate the continued partnership between MIDA and HAFB, and of course in conjunction with Box Elder County; the coordinated efforts are helping advance infrastructure that supports mission readiness.”“Utah leaders understand one of the most important issues in America: China is competing for economic, military and digital dominance. They are bringing on new power and Data Center capacity at an unprecedented pace. We can’t be idle,” said Kevin O’Leary, Chairman of O’Leary Digital. “That’s why our facility in Box Elder County will be one of the world’s premier data center campuses. It will bring multiple Giga Watts of AI capacity. It will make America more secure and innovative. It will be another example of Utahns leading globally. We’ve looked all over the world and there are only a handful of places that can support this. Utah is one of them. This is how we compete and stay in an AI leadership position and I’m appreciative of the foresight of Utahns and the partnership of Box Elder landowners, in helping us make that happen.”

Key Project Highlights

  • Energy Reliability & Independence – The project is designed to include dedicated on-site power generation, allowing the campus to meet its own energy needs without placing additional demand on the existing electrical grid.
  • Economic Impact – The project is expected to support thousands of construction jobs and long-term career opportunities across energy, technology, and operations sectors.
  • Agriculture & Land Stewardship – Development is planned in phases and designed to coexist with existing agricultural uses through leaseback agreements, conservation buffers, and open space preservation.
  • Water-Wise Design – Advanced recirculating cooling systems are expected to significantly reduce long-term water consumption compared to traditional data center operations.
  • Strategic Location – The site offers proximity to major natural gas infrastructure and fiber networks, supporting scalable and efficient long-term development.

The project is being developed through a partnership that includes O’Leary Digital and West GenCo, with coordination from state and local stakeholders. Development is expected to occur in phases over multiple years, with further planning, infrastructure coordination, and community engagement to follow. The public will be engaged and involved every step of the way.

With the approvals, the Stratos Project Area moves into its next phase—focused on detailed planning, infrastructure development, and continued collaboration with Box Elder County and stakeholders across Utah.

About MIDA

The Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) is a state entity focused on supporting military missions and strengthening Utah’s defense-related infrastructure. In partnership with the military, local communities and partners who support military missions, MIDA helps deliver projects that improve readiness, enhance facilities, and support long-term economic and operational growth. Learn more at www.midaut.org