Nuclear-powered data centers? It’s a tough sell in Utah coal country.

[Marlin]

Nuclear-powered data centers? It's a tough sell in Utah coal country.

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/data-centers/utah-carbon-county-opposition-nuclear-gas-valar

[Core Content]

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Valar Atomics and Altigen Energy are planning a massive energy and data center complex in Carbon County, Utah. The project includes 456 small modular reactors and a large natural gas plant to power artificial intelligence facilities. Local residents are raising concerns regarding safety, water use, and environmental heat accumulation.

The proposal highlights the growing friction between rural communities and the rapid expansion of nuclear-powered technology hubs. While state officials and local commissioners welcome the economic investment in a post-coal region, residents remain anxious about unproven small modular reactor designs and radioactive waste storage.

To power two new data centers, companies are planning a giant gas plant and 456 small nuclear reactors in Carbon County. Locals are pushing back.

Isaiah Taylor, CEO of Valar Atomics, left, speaks to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, center, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright at Hill Air Force Base in Utah on Feb. 15, 2026. Valar Atomics plans to build 456 small modular nuclear reactors in Utah. (AP Photo/Matthew Daly)

Cindy O'Neil understands the boom-and-bust cycles of industry. Her husband spent years working in Carbon County's namesake coal mines. In this pocket of central Utah, energy and the economy have long been intrinsically linked, at great sacrifice to county residents.

Read the full article at Canary Media:
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/data-centers/utah-carbon-county-opposition-nuclear-gas-valar