Fermi America, in collaboration with the Texas Tech University System, has received preliminary approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for 6 gigawatts (GW) of clean natural gas-based power generation as part of its larger 11 GW Project Matador campus. If completed as planned, the facility would be among the largest clean natural gas power generation sites in the world. The approval is subject to a formal review process and opportunities for public input.
The project aims to address the growing demand for computing power in artificial intelligence (AI) and other critical digital infrastructure. Project Matador’s developers emphasize that the campus will support national defense, banking and financial systems, communications, transportation, healthcare, education, and energy networks, rather than typical consumer applications.
By creating a dedicated, private grid, the project is expected to reduce the need for drawing power from the U.S. electrical grid. The initial 6 GW of generation capacity is projected to meet energy demands equivalent to the average consumption of New York City. The first natural gas generators are scheduled for installation in 2026, with the broader campus planned to integrate clean energy sources including nuclear, solar, and battery storage to reach its full 11 GW capacity.
Project leaders highlight that the private grid model is intended to ensure that AI and cloud computing needs are met without increasing utility costs for residential customers, schools, hospitals, and small businesses. The initiative also incorporates advanced hybrid cooling systems and emissions reduction technology to meet federal and state air quality standards, aiming to protect local air and water resources.
Fermi America, Texas Tech University System, and state authorities describe the project as part of a broader strategy to strengthen energy security, expand infrastructure for high-demand computing, and accelerate development of low-emission power sources in Texas. The campus is located in the Texas Panhandle, and the developers intend to bring the facility online incrementally while ensuring compliance with environmental and public health requirements.
