In recent years, Wyoming has emerged as a prime destination for data center development, thanks to its expansive landscapes, low energy costs, and business-friendly policies. As the demand for data storage continues to surge, property owners have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this trend by leasing their land for data center projects.
By listing properties on LandGate's marketplace, government and private property owners can connect with leading tech companies eager to invest in Wyoming's promising landscape for data center development. This strategic decision not only maximizes property value but also positions owners at the forefront of the state's burgeoning tech industry.
Wyoming's Rise as a Data Center Leader
Wyoming's data center development has accelerated over the past decade, driven by a combination of low energy costs, abundant renewable resources, and a favorable regulatory environment. The state's lack of a corporate income tax is particularly attractive to tech companies looking to establish data centers. With significant investments in renewable energy, especially wind power, Wyoming offers sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions that are crucial for powering large-scale data operations. Additionally, its geographic location reduces risks associated with natural disasters, making it a secure choice for data storage and processing.
Wyoming has emerged as a leader in data center development. The state is actively enhancing its telecommunications infrastructure to ensure high-speed internet access, essential for modern data centers. Furthermore, state policies designed to attract tech businesses create a conducive environment for growth. This combination of low operating costs, a commitment to sustainability, and a business-friendly approach positions Wyoming as an attractive hub for data centers, appealing to companies seeking reliable and economically viable locations for their operations. With the High Plains business park as an attractive location for new data center development, a multitude of data centers have been announced in the area and are met with a competitive business environment.
Data Center Developments in Wyoming
Wyoming is quickly becoming a prime location for data center development, driven by significant investments from leading tech companies. Recent announcements, such as Meta's $800 million data center and a vast 945-acre project in Cheyenne, hint at substantial economic growth and job creation potential for the region.
Projections suggest that each major data center could create hundreds, possibly thousands, of jobs during both construction and ongoing operations. This development presents landowners with a unique chance to gain financially through selling or leasing property for data centers.
What Makes a Property Suitable for a Data Center?
As is true with any other type of real estate, the most important factor that determines whether or not a specific property qualifies for a data center is location. Data centers need power quickly, making properties near substations and transmission lines ideal. However, this isn't a 'dealbreaker,' as large data center developments often require power grid upgrades and their own substation. Developers may invest in new substation construction for projects.
Access to fiber optic infrastructure is also important. While fiber is improving and often found in developed areas, lack of immediate access isn't a 'dealbreaker.' Developers can bring fiber to a site if there's space in the public right-of-way. However, a shorter fiber path might need to cross privately-owned parcels, requiring easements from owners, which can be time-consuming.
In terms of property size for data centers, smaller data centers can operate within buildings ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet, but larger enterprise and hyperscale data centers significantly exceed this range and can be up to 300 acres. Today's standard 40+ megawatt data centers require at least 10 acres of land, although 50+ acres is considered ideal.
The political climate of the region where a property is located can have a significant impact on data center development. Favorable tax laws, government incentives, and policies that promote renewable energy usage can make a property more appealing for a data center. In particular, Wyoming's tax-friendly environment, characterized by the absence of corporate and personal income taxes, combined with low energy costs, makes it an attractive destination for data center developers. The state's plentiful renewable energy sources, especially wind and hydroelectric power, bolster the operational efficiency of data centers. The southeastern region, renowned for its strong wind resources, is particularly ideal for large-scale projects requiring dependable, clean energy.
A prime example of a property ideal for hosting a data center is this parcel listed for lease in Cheyenne, WY on LandGate’s marketplace:
This 388 acre site is perfectly positioned for data center development with three long-haul fiber optic lines crossing the property. It is also located adjacent to a transmission line and sits just a quarter mile from a substation. Additionally, this property is in close proximity to significant data center developments from Meta, Microsoft, Lunavi and others further advancing the High Plains Business Park as an emerging data center hub.
Capitalizing on Data Center Demand: Leasing or Selling Opportunities
Public and private property owners in Wyoming stand at the forefront of a unique economic wave driven by the rapidly increasing demand for data centers. With the state's favorable conditions and growth potential, landowners can capitalize on this trend through leasing or selling their land for data center development. This initiative not only promises significant revenue streams through lease payments, but also contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and fostering technology-driven growth in the region.
As the demand for data storage continues to rise, there's no better time for property owners in Wyoming and across the country to get involved and reap the benefits of this growing market. Listing your property on LandGate’s marketplace is an efficient way to showcase its potential to tech companies seeking strategic locations for their data operations. LandGate’s marketplace offers the advantage of broad visibility and easy access to a large pool of interested lessees actively seeking suitable sites for data center development. With no costs for listing or obligations to accept any offers, property owners can explore this opportunity without financial risk.
