Gov. Gianforte signs memo with huge Japanese company for data center possibilities in MT

Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed a memorandum of understanding with a huge multinational Japanese company to “advance potential investment in data center and power infrastructure projects in Montana.”

Gianforte announced on Thursday that he had signed the document in Tokyo with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries during a strategic trade mission to Japan in October.

According to a press release from Gianforte’s office, the agreement “formalizes collaboration between the State of Montana and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to evaluate opportunities for investment in data center development and energy infrastructure, particularly in southern Montana.”

The memorandum establishes a framework for continued talks and cooperation as both parties “explore project feasibility” and potential next steps.

“Montana offers affordable, reliable energy, a skilled workforce, and a welcoming environment for innovation,” Gianforte said in a statement. “This agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries marks another step forward in expanding Montana’s high-tech and energy sectors and creating more good-paying jobs for Montanans.”

Apparently, executives at the Japanese firm expressed interest in Montana’s energy resources, access to transmission and favorable business climate for large-scale infrastructure and technology investment.

“We are honored to collaborate with the State of Montana to explore advanced data center and energy infrastructure opportunities,” said Masayuki Suematsu, chief strategy officer at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. “Montana’s reliable energy resources, technical expertise, and strong support for innovation make it a compelling location for seeking such business opportunities.”

The announcement came on the same day that Gianforte was in Arizona for the Western Governors Association’s winter meeting. Gianforte took part in a panel discussion titled “Energy Superabundance for Data Centers.”

The panel featured several tech company executives and several governors of western states.

“Montana is a net energy exporter,” Gianforte said, referencing coal exports. “We’ve been keeping the lights on in Seattle, Tokyo, Taipei and Seoul for decades. We’ve been pursuing an all-of-the-above strategy, but we still don’t have enough power. I’m curious, you’ve mentioned a couple of things. What else can us governors do to encourage energy production in our states and transmission?”

The executives Gianforte was speaking to included Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy Colorado; Duane Highley, the CEO at the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association; Chris Parker, director of the Utah Division of Public Utilities; John Jenks, director of energy market development at the Wyoming Energy Authority and others.

Essentially, the executives agreed that states can do more to encourage energy development by reforming the permitting process and getting local governments on board, among other moves.

NorthWestern Energy, the largest monopoly utility in Montana, has signed Letters of Intent with three data center development companies to supply as much as 1,400 megawatts of power by the year 2030 to those yet-to-be-built data centers.