Kevin O'Leary Accuses AI of Manipulating Opponents in Utah

Kevin O'Leary, the famous investor from the show "Shark Tank," finds himself at the center of a controversy surrounding his data center project in Utah. This project, valued at several billion dollars, was recently unanimously approved by the MIDA board, despite strong reactions from the community.

In a message posted on X, accompanied by an explanatory video, O'Leary, also known as Mr. Wonderful, addressed the environmental concerns raised by the project. He assured that his team is well aware of the potential impacts on air, water, heat, and noise. "I am the only data center developer with a degree in environmental studies, so I understand these concerns," he stated.

The proposed data center in Box Elder County is facing resistance, particularly due to its energy footprint. These facilities, essential for the development of artificial intelligence, are often criticized for their massive resource consumption. The project, which will span 40,000 acres and be built over the next ten years, is expected to consume around 9 gigawatts of energy once completed, according to public information.

During a MIDA board meeting, Paul Morris, executive director of the Utah Military Installation Development Authority, emphasized that the data center could double the state's current energy consumption. This prospect drew hundreds of protesters during the approval vote, who expressed their disagreement with boos and signs.

O'Leary Digital, Kevin O'Leary's company, has partnered with local developer WestGen to carry out this project. O'Leary stressed the importance of sustainability, mentioning the use of air-cooled systems and an energy mix that includes renewable sources. He also highlighted that advancements in battery technology, now ten times more efficient than five years ago, help reduce energy costs.

The "Stratos" project will be powered by natural gas from the nearby Ruby Pipeline. O'Leary criticized the legitimacy of the protests, claiming that over 90% of the protesters are not residents of Utah or Box Elder County and that some may be paid for their participation, although the identity of this person is unknown. He also suggested that online discussions surrounding the project are partly generated by AI, which he called hypocritical.