Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry launches America’s energy independence revolution with a massive 5,770-acre AI complex in Texas powered by nuclear, natural gas, and solar technologies, challenging China’s technological dominance.
Key Takeaways
- Fermi America, co-founded by Rick Perry, is building the world’s largest AI data center complex near Amarillo, Texas, spanning 5,770 acres with 18 million square feet of AI facilities.
- The revolutionary “HyperGrid” campus will integrate America’s largest nuclear power facility with natural gas, solar, and battery storage to produce up to 11 gigawatts of power.
- Construction begins July 4th with the first gigawatt of capacity online by 2026 and full operations expected by 2032.
- The project partners with Texas Tech University System to advance research, workforce development, and American technological leadership.
- This strategic energy initiative directly counters China’s aggressive nuclear development and positions America to regain technological leadership.
America’s Energy Revolution Takes Shape in Texas
While the Biden administration wastes taxpayer dollars on green energy fantasies, Texas is showing the nation how to achieve true energy independence. Fermi America, co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, has unveiled plans for what will become the world’s largest Artificial Intelligence complex. The massive 5,770-acre facility near Amarillo will feature an innovative “HyperGrid” campus integrating nuclear, natural gas, and solar power to fuel next-generation AI technologies. Construction on this ambitious project is set to begin on July 4th – a fitting date for an initiative aimed at restoring American technological leadership.
The Texas-based complex represents a strategic investment in American energy independence at a time when AI technology demands are straining our electrical grid. Unlike unreliable wind turbines or imported solar panels from China, this project will harness reliable baseload power from nuclear and natural gas facilities, supplemented by solar generation and battery storage. The site was strategically chosen for its proximity to natural gas pipelines, high-speed fiber networks, solar potential, and access to a large natural gas field, showcasing the practical approach to energy that liberal policymakers consistently ignore.
Building American Technological Leadership
The Fermi America project directly challenges China’s growing technological dominance by creating a secure, domestic hub for AI development. With China rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities, this Texas initiative represents a critical step toward maintaining America’s competitive edge. The 18-million-square-foot facility will generate up to 11 gigawatts of electricity – enough to power 8.2 million homes – while providing the infrastructure needed for advanced AI computing. The project aligns perfectly with the CHIPS and Science Act, which supports American leadership in semiconductors, AI, and energy security.
“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,” said Rick Perry
Unlike the typical government boondoggles that waste billions without delivering results, this private-sector initiative has set an aggressive timeline with the first gigawatt of capacity expected online by the end of 2026. The phased approach will ensure continued progress, with full operations expected by 2032. This project demonstrates how American ingenuity and private enterprise can deliver energy solutions without endless taxpayer subsidies or federal mandates.
Education and Workforce Development
The partnership between Fermi America and the Texas Tech University System ensures this isn’t just an energy project but a comprehensive initiative to develop American talent and expertise. The collaboration will create internships, training programs, and a dedicated academic facility that will prepare the next generation of American workers for high-paying energy and technology jobs. This stands in stark contrast to liberal policies that push worthless degrees and saddle students with massive debt while ignoring practical career paths that strengthen our national security and economic prosperity.
“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,” said Chancellor Tedd Mitchell
Fermi America has also committed to a long-term excellence fund to support research and academic priorities, showing how private sector leadership can advance education without federal bureaucracy. The practical integration of education and industry stands as a model for developing American expertise in critical sectors while creating economic opportunity. This Texas project embodies President Trump’s vision of American energy dominance and technological leadership, contrasting sharply with the failed green energy policies that have increased dependence on foreign nations while driving up costs for American families.
The Future of American Energy Independence
The Fermi America project represents a powerful vision for American energy independence that combines reliable baseload power with cutting-edge technology. While Democrats continue pushing unreliable solar and wind solutions that can’t meet our growing energy needs, this Texas initiative showcases the practical path forward: an integrated approach that leverages nuclear, natural gas, and solar power to fuel American innovation. The first-of-its-kind “HyperGrid” will demonstrate how intelligent energy planning can support technological leadership while creating thousands of jobs and educational opportunities.
“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
As construction begins on July 4th, this project stands as a declaration of American energy independence. While our international competitors race ahead with nuclear development, the Fermi America initiative signals that America is finally getting serious about energy security. The project’s emphasis on multiple reliable power sources – rather than dependence on weather-dependent alternatives – demonstrates the common-sense approach to energy that conservatives have long championed. This Texas powerhouse will serve as a blueprint for American energy dominance in the AI era.
