Texas Tech and Fermi America to Build World’s Largest AI Energy Campus Near Amarillo

Texas Tech and Fermi America will build a 5,800-acre AI energy campus near Amarillo with 18 million sq ft of data centers powered by nuclear, solar, wind, and gas. The first gigawatt is expected online by 2026, supporting education and research.

Categorized in: AI News IT and Development
Published on: Jun 28, 2025
Texas Tech and Fermi America to Build World’s Largest AI Energy Campus Near Amarillo

Texas Tech and Fermi America to Build Largest AI Energy Campus Near Amarillo

The Texas Tech University System and Fermi America are collaborating to construct a massive energy and artificial intelligence campus just outside Amarillo, Texas. The Advanced Energy and Intelligence Campus will cover approximately 5,800 acres near the Pantex Plant and feature 18 million square feet of AI data centers powered by up to 11 gigawatts of electricity generated from nuclear, solar, wind, and natural gas sources.

This project targets the growing energy needs tied to AI infrastructure and seeks to enhance the United States' position in the technology sector. The combination of multiple energy sources aims to provide a stable and scalable power supply for extensive AI operations.

Energy and Technology at Scale

Fermi America, co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary and Texas Governor Rick Perry, highlights the urgency of expanding energy infrastructure to keep pace with global developments. Perry pointed out that while China is currently building 22 nuclear reactors, the U.S. needs to accelerate its efforts. Texas, known as an energy hub, is positioned to meet this challenge.

The Amarillo location was chosen for its access to major natural gas pipelines, high-speed fiber networks, strong solar potential, and proximity to one of the largest natural gas fields in the country. Geotechnical work has already started, with plans to bring the first gigawatt of capacity online by the end of 2026.

Integration of Multiple Power Sources

The campus will uniquely integrate several power generation methods, including:

  • Nuclear energy
  • Combined-cycle natural gas plants
  • Solar power generation
  • Utility grid access
  • Battery storage systems

Despite its proximity to the Pantex Plant, a Department of Energy site and Superfund location, officials have not yet confirmed whether the campus will include an on-site nuclear reactor. Additionally, projected water and electricity consumption figures have not been released.

Economic, Educational, and Environmental Considerations

The project is expected to deliver significant educational and workforce development benefits. Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec emphasized the campus’s role in expanding research opportunities and preparing students for careers in energy and AI sectors.

The campus will feature dedicated academic and research facilities, including classrooms, offices, and conference spaces. Fermi America has committed to supporting an excellence fund to promote research and student success across the Texas Tech University System’s five institutions.

However, environmental concerns remain. Large AI data centers can have substantial impacts on air pollution and resource consumption. For context, an upcoming data project near Pampa is expected to use 2 gigawatts of natural gas and 1.5 million gallons of water daily on an 800-acre site. The Amarillo project’s environmental footprint has yet to be disclosed.

Policy and Investment Context

This initiative aligns with federal priorities, including a 2023 executive order designating AI data centers and their supporting nuclear reactors as critical defense infrastructure. It also fits within the framework of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which allocates $280 billion toward advancing U.S. leadership in semiconductors, AI, and clean energy.

Texas has already secured over $8 billion from the CHIPS Act for projects involving major tech companies such as Samsung and Texas Instruments. Workforce development initiatives in the law could further support Texas Tech’s academic and research missions.

Looking Ahead

More details about the campus’s construction phases, infrastructure planning, and workforce development schedules will be shared in the coming months. This project represents a significant step toward meeting the infrastructure demands of AI while fostering educational growth in the Texas Panhandle.

For IT professionals interested in advancing their AI skills to meet industry demands, exploring specialized AI courses can provide practical knowledge aligned with these emerging technologies.