Creekstone Energy is advancing construction on a massive $17 billion AI-optimized data center project in Millard County, a development that includes plans to create over 100 high-paying jobs and utilize an unprecedented 10 gigawatts of power capacity. The facility, known as the Creekstone Gigasite, is being built near Delta with an integrated energy system designed to operate independently of the traditional utility grid.
State Incentives and Economic Impact
The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity announced in April 2026 that it awarded Creekstone Energy, LLC a post-performance tax reduction to support the expansion. This corporate incentive is part of the state's Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) program.
According to the state, the project is expected to invest $17,082,408,000 in Utah over the next 20 years. The agreement also forecasts the creation of 106 new jobs with projected wages totaling $333,453,662. The REDTIF program will provide a 50% new state tax credit, with anticipated new state tax revenue reaching $344,381,185.
Next-Generation AI Infrastructure
The Gigasite is designed as a next-generation power and artificial intelligence data center. The project features a 'behind-the-meter' design, which allows the campus to function without being constrained by the existing utility grid. This infrastructure includes an on-site natural gas power generation system and utility-scale solar energy.
Jefferson Moss, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, stated that the project highlights Utah's innovative economy and commitment to shared growth across the state. He noted that the investment will strengthen the economic foundation for rural Utah while supporting infrastructure needs for both the technology and energy sectors.
Construction Progress and Permitting
Creekstone Energy's recent project updates confirm that construction is currently underway on the site. The company has secured 1,143 acres of land through fee simple ownership across 10 contiguous parcels. As of July 2026, the company reported that its Phase I Environmental Assessment is complete with no recognized environmental conditions identified.
In terms of permitting, the project has achieved significant milestones. The site received Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning approval on June 5, 2025, and a C-2 Conditional Use Permit was approved on July 1, 2025. These permits authorize both the data center and the electrical generation facility, as well as solar energy production.
Multi-Source Power Generation
The energy foundation of the campus relies on a multi-source approach. The natural gas infrastructure is currently under construction, following an interconnect agreement executed in September 2025. This system is designed for an initial capacity of 43,000 Dth/day, providing 230 MW via 29 engines through Quanta Services.
Complementing the gas generation is a massive solar component. Creekstone has executed a lease with the School Land Trust Improvement Corporation (SITLA) for what it describes as the largest solar lease in Utah's history. The plan involves 30,000 acres of SITLA land under lease and option, utilizing the Delta latitude to achieve an approximate 29% capacity factor.
Sustainable Design and Stability
The facility is specifically engineered for the high demands of AI clusters rather than legacy server workloads. The design incorporates a 'dry' cooling method, which results in essentially waterless operations, a feature noted by EDCUtah executive director Ryan Starks as aligning with Utah's 'all of the above' energy strategy.
To ensure grid stability and power quality, the site features advanced storage solutions. On December 29, 2025, the company installed Torus advanced storage equipment, including a concrete equipment pad and a load-smoothing solution that provides grid-forming battery backup and flywheel inertia for stability.
Regional Connectivity and Access
Connectivity is a primary driver for the Delta location. The site sits at a crossroads of more than 20 fiber routes, enabling low-latency connections across the Western United States. On-net carriers include Lumen (formerly CenturyLink), AT&T, Cogent, Hurricane Electric, and Level 3 Zayo.
Additional access is provided by providers such as Comcast, Verizon, Sprint, Syringa, and Centracom, with 14 additional routes located within 28 miles of the site. The facility is being built as a carrier-neutral site capable of supporting 100G and 400G infrastructure.
Local Leadership Perspectives
Local leaders expressed optimism regarding the project's long-term benefits for Millard County. Millard County Commissioner Trevor Johnson stated that the investment builds on the community's agricultural roots while expanding a diverse economy through quality jobs and strengthened infrastructure.
Creekstone Energy CEO Ray Conley noted that the region's energy generation capacity, distribution infrastructure, and world-class fiber connectivity create an unmatched convergence for a project of this scale. The company aims to establish the Gigasite as the world's largest AI-optimized data center.
