Full Breakdown
Bernard Looney Takes the Helm at Prometheus Hyperscale
4/1/2026, 7:26:48 AM
Leadership Transition and Company Focus
Bernard Looney, the former CEO of BP, has been appointed as the new CEO of Prometheus Hyperscale, a data center development company based in Wyoming. Looney's previous tenure at BP ended in controversy due to a probe into undisclosed personal relationships, leading to his resignation in 2023. Since then, BP has faced financial challenges, shifting its focus back to fossil fuels after initially pushing towards renewable energy. Looney's leadership at Prometheus begins on April 1, 2026, succeeding the company's founder, Trenton Thornock, who will remain on the board.
Prometheus Hyperscale is engaged in significant data center projects in Wyoming, specifically in Evanston and Casper, with a combined initial capacity of 2.5 gigawatts, sufficient to power nearly 2 million homes. The estimated cost for these projects exceeds $30 billion. The company emphasizes rapid construction and cleaner energy solutions, utilizing a mix of natural gas, battery storage, and plans to incorporate wind, solar, and advanced nuclear power in the future. Notably, Prometheus aims to implement proprietary geothermal cooling technology that operates without water.
Strategic Partnerships and Backing
Prometheus is supported by In-Q-Tel, a venture capital fund associated with the Central Intelligence Agency, alongside partnerships with Conduit Power, France’s Engie, and the nuclear energy company Oklo, which is backed by Sam Altman. These collaborations are expected to enhance Prometheus's capabilities in developing next-generation data centers.
Official Statements & Responses
In a statement regarding his new role, Looney emphasized the importance of building infrastructure responsibly in the face of evolving digital technologies. He stated, “As artificial intelligence and digital technologies continue to reshape our world, it is crucial that we build the necessary infrastructure responsibly. This is the mission we have set ourselves,” positioning Prometheus at the forefront of data center development.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the ambitious plans, some industry observers express skepticism about the feasibility of Prometheus's projects, particularly regarding the integration of cleaner energy sources and the financial implications of such large-scale developments. Critics argue that the transition to renewable energy in data centers is fraught with challenges, including regulatory hurdles and the need for substantial investment.
What's Next
As Looney steps into his role, the focus will be on the timely execution of the data center projects in Wyoming. The company aims to leverage its partnerships and innovative technologies to meet the growing demand for data processing and storage, particularly in the context of advancing artificial intelligence applications. The success of these initiatives will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders and investors alike.
