Krambu Plans AI Data Center in Missoula County, Montana

Data center developer Krambu is planning an AI facility in Bonner, Montana. The project, proposed for the former Bonner Mill Industrial Park in Missoula County, is intended to have a sustainable footprint, according to CEO Steve Wood. In an interview with local outlet MTN, Wood said the proposed data center would use a closed-loop heat capture system to support nearby applications such as aquaponics, hydroponics, or greenhouses.

He described the project as the “next evolution” of closed-loop systems and noted it would use a similar amount of water as the former sawmill. At a community meeting, a potential usage of 500 gallons of water per megawatt was discussed.

Missoula County has previously faced strong opposition to data centers, largely due to a cryptocurrency mining facility operated by HyperBlock that residents said consumed energy equivalent to about one-third of the county’s household demand, along with generating significant noise.

In response to these concerns, county commissioners introduced zoning rules in 2019 requiring data center and crypto operators to use renewable energy sources and recycle all electronic waste. 

Missoula County officials said the project is still in its “initial stages” and the county has yet to receive a formal application. The aforementioned meeting was organized due to “heightened public interest,” and county officials promised a further public consultation if a formal application is received for the project.