US to Launch World’s Largest Data-Energy Hub with Diverse Sources

Fermi America, a Texas-based firm co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, announced plans to create the largest energy and data complex of its kind, which will be powered by nuclear energy, natural gas, and solar power, on Thursday.

The company aims to collaborate with Texas Tech University on the “Hypergrid” project, which is set to officially launch on July 4.

Perry, who has also held the position of Governor of Texas, expressed concern that while China is constructing 22 nuclear reactors, the U.S. has not initiated any new projects. He stated, “We’re falling behind – and we need everyone to step up. It’s essential that we do everything possible to succeed in this crucial race.”

Following executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump to expedite the application process for new nuclear reactors and to reform the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, interest in building new nuclear plants has surged.

Critics and certain supporters have voiced concerns that these reforms may harm the industry and prioritize political agendas over safety and public health. Trump also removed Democratic NRC commissioner Chris Hanson earlier this month.

Fermi indicated that its Amarillo campus has the capacity to generate up to 11 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear, gas, and solar energy, which could power more than 8.2 million residences, with 1 GW expected to be operational by late 2026. However, the company did not disclose the project’s cost or its funding sources.

Fermi claims that this will be the largest nuclear power complex in the U.S. but did not provide a timeline for completion. The U.S. nuclear industry has faced numerous delays and budget overruns, with the most recent reactor being brought online last year in Georgia.

The final two reactors constructed at Vogtle, Georgia, exceeded $30 billion in total costs, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The NRC has stated that it is currently reviewing applications from Fermi, which will be released to the public soon. Reports indicate that the project has sought approval for four 1-GW nuclear reactors, although Fermi has not officially confirmed this.

Spanning nearly 5,800 acres, the campus will also feature facilities for large artificial intelligence data centers.

According to Fermi, the location near the Department of Energy’s Pantex nuclear weapons plant highlights its strategic advantage in developing clean, safe nuclear power for America’s next-generation AI technologies.

Additionally, the site is conveniently located near some of the largest natural gas pipelines in the U.S. and sits atop a substantial natural gas reserve.