News Summary
Oracle and OpenAI unveil Project Stargate, a new data center initiative in Shackelford County, Texas, utilizing natural gas generators to enhance AI infrastructure. This innovative approach bypasses the traditional power grid, promising rapid deployment and significant computing capacity. The project aims to create thousands of jobs and represents a broader trend in AI data center development across multiple states, with a cumulative investment of $400 billion and the potential for 25,000 onsite jobs.
Exciting Developments in Shackelford County, Texas
Big news is brewing in Shackelford County, Texas, as tech giants Oracle and OpenAI are gearing up to launch a new data center dubbed Project Stargate. This innovative project aims to revolutionize how data is processed and distributed, ensuring it aligns with the increasing demand for advanced AI infrastructure.
What’s The Big Idea?
Unlike traditional data centers that often rely on the already strained U.S. power grid, Project Stargate plans to operate using hundreds of natural gas generators. This off-grid strategy not only sidesteps potential grid issues, but also allows for quicker implementation of the center. The demand for AI is skyrocketing, and this approach will ensure that services can come online with reduced delays.
Site Information and Operations
The first Stargate site is set to be located about a 40-minute drive from Shackelford County in Abilene, Texas, which is also partially powered by natural gas generators. This trend of establishing data centers in an off-grid setup is becoming a popular strategy among major tech players looking to efficiently manage their significant electricity demands.
In a move that mirrors fresh initiatives from other tech stars like Elon Musk, who is deploying natural gas generators for xAI’s data centers in Memphis and is also building a private natural gas plant in Mississippi, Project Stargate aims to set industry standards for efficiency and resilience.
Microgrid Magic
The data center will leverage what is referred to as a “microgrid,” enabling it to generate and consume its power without being tied to local utility providers. As outlined in a confidential document titled “Oracle Fact Sheet,” which came to light on September 23, 2025, the microgrid is expected to provide significant power capacity to the Shackelford County site.
In fact, Voltagrid, a key development partner, has confirmed that their setup will deliver a whopping 1.4 gigawatts of computing capacity, with plans to ramp it up to over 10 gigawatts as the project unfolds.
Serious Infrastructure Investments
With the development of Vantage Data Centers’ “mega-campus” in Shackelford County that will encompass ten massive data center buildings totaling a staggering 3.7 million square feet, the implications of this project extend beyond just tech. Public documents have revealed that Voltagrid holds permits for a remarkable 210 industrial gas generators with an aggregate capacity of 700 megawatts. Most of these generators will be the primary power sources, while a select few will serve as backups during emergencies.
Beyond Shackelford County
This exciting initiative is just one part of a larger trend involving the construction of new AI data centers across various states. In fact, Oracle and OpenAI, along with SoftBank, have announced five new AI data center sites under the Stargate initiative, which includes additional locations in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and another unspecified site in the Midwest. The aggregate power from these sites aims to reach nearly 7 gigawatts with an impressive projected investment of $400 billion over the next three years.
These expansions are expected to create over 25,000 onsite jobs along with tens of thousands of additional positions across the United States, invigorating the job market and contributing to economic growth.
The Future is Bright
It’s clear that OpenAI has a vision for the future, stressing the importance of having robust computational power to harness the tremendous potential of AI. With a total commitment of $500 billion directed toward bolstering U.S. AI infrastructure, the stakes are incredibly high, and the excitement is palpable.
For residents of Shackelford County and surrounding areas, the buzz around Project Stargate heralds a new dawn for tech innovation and economic opportunity. So, keep your eyes peeled as this fascinating story unfolds in the heart of Texas!
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
