Story perspectives

Kevin O'Leary Unveils $100B Utah Data Center Amid Protest Claims

5/31/2026

Summary

Kevin O'Leary Launches

Entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary announced a $100 billion, 40,000-acre Stratos data center in Box Elder County, Utah.
Kevin O'Leary and Doug Burgum said Chinese propaganda and foreign money fuel Utah opposition, claiming 90 % of protesters were bussed in.
The Wyss Foundation and other groups denied Chinese influence despite the lack of public evidence.
Kevin O'Leary said the project will use 9,000 acres over ten years and create up to 6,000 jobs.

Summary

Cox Tightens Data-centers

Gov. Spencer Cox issued an executive order on May 29 directing agencies to tighten review of large data-center projects.
The Stratos AI-focused campus, which could need up to 9 gigawatts of power, exemplifies the sector’s communication problem as national benefits clash with local burdens.
Officials call the facilities political infrastructure linked to energy and defense policy, raising stakeholder questions about funding for transmission upgrades, water-cooling and lasting jobs.

History

Historical Context

The NSA’s Utah Data Center, announced in 2008 and built for $1.5 billion with a 65-megawatt power line, exemplifies the shift from Cold-War computer rooms to today’s hyperscale facilities. Inspired by that precedent, Kevin O’Leary and Utah Governor Spencer Cox promoted the Stratos AI campus, a similarly massive data hub that now faces local opposition and regulatory scrutiny.

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Kevin O'Leary Launches

Entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary announced a $100 billion, 40,000-acre Stratos data center in Box Elder County, Utah.
Kevin O'Leary and Doug Burgum said Chinese propaganda and foreign money fuel Utah opposition, claiming 90 % of protesters were bussed in.
The Wyss Foundation and other groups denied Chinese influence despite the lack of public evidence.
Kevin O'Leary said the project will use 9,000 acres over ten years and create up to 6,000 jobs.

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