Former BP CEO joins AI data center startup

The artificial intelligence industry’s massive energy consumption needs are driving new partnerships between tech and energy sector veterans.

Key development: Bernard Looney, former BP CEO, has been appointed chairman of Prometheus Hyperscale, a Wyoming-based data center startup developing a $10 billion facility to serve major tech companies’ AI computing needs.

• The project will be built on a 640-acre site in Evanston, Wyoming, carved from the family ranch of founder and CEO Trenton Thornock
• Looney’s role will focus on customer acquisition, investor relations, and strategic planning
• The company aims to attract major tech clients like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google

Industry context: The intersection of AI and energy sectors reflects the growing demands of large-scale computing operations, known as hyperscalers, which require enormous amounts of power.

• BP’s current CEO Murray Auchincloss has identified hyperscalers as increasingly important energy customers
• The appointment leverages Looney’s experience with multibillion-dollar projects and connections with international investors
• Looney’s departure from BP in 2023 followed his failure to properly disclose personal relationships with colleagues

Sustainability focus: Prometheus Hyperscale aims to address environmental concerns surrounding AI’s growing energy consumption through various clean energy initiatives.

• The facility will initially operate using wind and gas power
• Future plans include potential nuclear energy integration through a partnership with Oklo, led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman
• The company claims to employ a unique liquid cooling system designed to reduce energy consumption

Strategic alignment: During his tenure at BP, Looney demonstrated commitment to renewable energy transition, though some initiatives were later scaled back.

• Under his leadership, BP announced plans to reduce oil and gas production while increasing renewable energy investments
• His experience with sustainability initiatives aligns with the preferences of potential clients like Google, which prioritize clean energy
• Thornock praised Looney’s credentials in sustainability and energy sectors

Looking ahead: The convergence of AI and energy infrastructure presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in the tech sector, with projects like Prometheus Hyperscale potentially serving as a model for addressing the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence while maintaining environmental responsibility.