The Texas Tech University System is partnering with Fermi America to build what officials say will be the world’s largest advanced energy and artificial intelligence campus, a first-of-its-kind development just outside Amarillo.
The planned Advanced Energy and Intelligence Campus will span approximately 5,800 acres near the Pantex Plant and include 18 million square feet of AI data centers, powered by up to 11 gigawatts of electricity from nuclear, solar, wind, and natural gas sources.
“The Texas Tech University System is proud to partner with Fermi America on this historic endeavor,” said Chancellor Tedd Mitchell. “Texas is the energy capital of the world, and this campus will not only be the largest energy and data complex of its kind, but also a testament to the unshakable spirit of our system, the Texas Panhandle and this great state.”
Fermi America, co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, aims to meet the rapidly growing energy demands tied to AI infrastructure. Perry said the project is part of a national push to stay competitive in the global energy and technology sectors.
“The Chinese are building 22 nuclear reactors today,” Perry said. “We’re behind, and it’s all hands on deck. No one does energy better than Texas, and Fermi America and the Texas Tech University System are answering the call.”
The announcement follows a May executive order from President Donald Trump directing the U.S. Department of Energy to designate AI data centers, and the nuclear reactors powering them, as critical defense infrastructure.
The project’s ambitions also align with the CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in 2022, which includes $280 billion in federal investment to strengthen U.S. leadership in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and clean energy. The law’s $200 million workforce development initiative and Regional Technology Hubs program could support Texas Tech’s academic mission and research goals, preparing students for careers in AI and energy. Texas has already secured over $8 billion from the CHIPS Act for projects involving companies such as Samsung and Texas Instruments.
Fermi officials said the Amarillo site was selected for its proximity to major natural gas pipelines, high-speed fiber, strong solar potential and one of the country’s largest natural gas fields. Geotechnical work has already begun, and the company expects to bring its first gigawatt of capacity online by the end of 2026.
The facility will integrate multiple power sources on an unprecedented scale, including nuclear energy, a combined-cycle natural gas plant, solar generation, utility grid access and battery storage.
Though located near the Pantex Plant — a Department of Energy facility and Superfund site — officials have not said whether the new campus will include an on-site nuclear reactor. The Texas Tech University System has also not disclosed projected water or electricity usage. Large-scale AI campuses have drawn increasing scrutiny for their environmental footprint.
A recent report found that AI data centers could significantly increase air pollution in Texas. For comparison, APR Energy’s upcoming data project near Pampa is expected to consume 2 gigawatts of natural gas and 1.5 million gallons of water per day on an 800-acre site.
Texas Tech officials said the Amarillo campus will serve as more than a technology hub. It is also expected to deliver academic, research and workforce benefits for the region.
“This collaboration will not only position Texas Tech to address the evolving demands of the energy and technology sectors, but will also create meaningful educational opportunities for our students and research possibilities across many disciplines,” said Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec.
In addition to internships and training programs, the project includes a dedicated academic and research facility with classrooms, offices and conference space for students and faculty across the university system.
Fermi America has also pledged to support a long-term excellence fund to advance research, promote academic priorities and expand student success initiatives throughout all five institutions in the Texas Tech University System.
More details on construction phases, infrastructure planning and workforce development timelines are expected in the coming months.
