Bernard Looney, who previously served as CEO of BP, is transitioning into the artificial intelligence sector as the new CEO of Prometheus Hyperscale, based in Wyoming. He is set to oversee a range of data center campus initiatives in both Wyoming and Texas.
After advocating for BP's transition to renewable energy, Looney resigned unexpectedly in 2023 amidst an investigation into undisclosed personal relationships. Since then, BP has faced financial challenges, implementing cost reductions and shifting its focus back toward fossil fuel production.
In a related development, Meg O’Neill has been appointed as BP’s new CEO, effective April 1. O’Neill is notable for being the first female CEO of a major oil company, having previously led Woodside Energy.
Looney's journey to the role at Prometheus began with his appointment as non-executive chair in late 2024. He takes over from the company’s founder, Trenton Thornock, who will remain on the board.
Prometheus is concentrating on two major data center projects in Wyoming, located in Evanston and Casper, which will have a total initial capacity of 2.5 gigawatts—sufficient to power nearly 2 million homes. The expected investment for these projects exceeds $30 billion.
The company is committed to rapid construction while prioritizing sustainable energy solutions, incorporating behind-the-meter natural gas and battery storage to expedite project delivery. It also plans to enhance its energy mix with wind, solar, and advanced nuclear power. Looney indicated that Prometheus will introduce proprietary geothermal cooling technology designed to be water-efficient for its data centers.
"As artificial intelligence and digital technologies continue to reshape our world, building the essential infrastructure responsibly is imperative. This is the mission we have embraced," Looney stated, positioning Prometheus as a leader in the future of data center development.
Prometheus is supported by In-Q-Tel, the venture capital arm linked to the CIA and the broader U.S. intelligence community, and has established partnerships with several prominent companies, including Conduit Power, France’s Engie, and the nuclear start-up Oklo, which is backed by Sam Altman.
Share this story