Rhea Data Proposed Large Boise Data Center
The 4 million-square-foot facility is under federal review for a site near Blacks Creek Reservoir.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Data Centers
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Rhea Data, a subsidiary of Arevia Power, has proposed constructing a 4 million-square-foot data center on federal land south of Boise. The project is currently being evaluated by the Bureau of Land Management for potential environmental and resource impacts.
Why it matters
This proposal seeks to expand regional technology infrastructure, though it faces scrutiny over significant electricity demands and the usage of public land. The facility must navigate rigorous oversight to ensure it does not harm existing power system reliability.
The proposed facility spans 4 million square feet and includes plans for on-site natural gas generation. It currently lacks integration into the existing Idaho Power load forecast.
The players
Rhea Data
This organization is a subsidiary of Arevia Power and acts as the primary developer for the proposed facility.
Bureau of Land Management
This federal agency is responsible for reviewing the proposal's environmental impacts on public lands.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
This state regulatory body oversees large-load customer applications to ensure grid reliability.
Idaho Power
This utility provider manages the regional energy grid and has not yet included the project in its load forecasts.
Arevia Power
This parent company oversees various renewable energy and infrastructure development projects.
The details
Located near Interstate 84 and the Blacks Creek Reservoir, the project must undergo a thorough environmental review by the Bureau of Land Management. Developers are also required to pass a no-harm test administered by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to proceed.
Timeline
The Bureau of Land Management expects to issue a notice of intent for the project around the end of 2026.
The Tech Race
The proposal reflects a broader trend of massive data centers placing strain on local utility grids that were not designed for such rapid consumption increases. This shift forces utilities to implement strict reliability tests to manage the integration of high-density infrastructure.
Residents may see changes to regional resource allocation and potential shifts in local power grid management as the project progresses. The facility's approval depends on demonstrating that its energy usage will not negatively affect the existing reliability for households and businesses.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects on federal land require a long-term commitment to environmental and utility transparency. Community members should monitor the upcoming 2026 notice of intent to understand how the project impacts the Treasure Valley environment.
What happens next
The Bureau of Land Management is scheduled to issue a notice of intent for the land-use proposal around the end of 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure projects in the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Arbiter.
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