IREN builds AI-ready data center in West Texas with NVIDIA partnership
IREN, a digital infrastructure company, is partnering with NVIDIA to design and build out its Sweetwater data center campus in Fisher County, Texas. The collaboration applies NVIDIA's architecture to optimize compute power and prepare the facility for future hardware generations.
The company recently energized its 1.4 gigawatt Sweetwater One site, connecting the campus to the ERCOT power grid. Construction will continue expanding through 2027, with additional data center buildings planned afterward.
Why West Texas
IREN selected Fisher County for its access to renewable energy and existing electrical infrastructure. The region has excess power capacity and built-out grid connections-a shift from the industry standard of placing data centers in major cities.
"We've switched it around and brought the data center out to the source of the power, where the infrastructure already exists," said David Shaw, IREN's chief operating officer.
Workforce and timeline
About 300 construction workers are currently on site. IREN expects that number to triple or quadruple within six months.
Once the campus is complete, the company plans to employ over 200 people in ongoing operations. Shaw said the company is committed to creating local jobs and career paths in technology.
Community concerns
As large AI facilities expand into West Texas, some residents have raised concerns about traffic, power demands, and effects on rural communities. IREN said it is working to minimize construction disruptions and invest back into the region.
"We want the community to understand that we're partners with them for the long haul," Shaw said.
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