Fermi America, co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, announced plans on June 26, 2025, to build the world’s largest energy and data complex, dubbed Hypergrid, in Amarillo, Texas.
Partnering with Texas Tech University, the project aims to integrate nuclear, natural gas, and solar power to deliver 11 gigawatts by late 2026, enough to power over 8.2 million homes. Consequently, this ambitious venture seeks to position the U.S. as a leader in clean energy and AI infrastructure.
The Hypergrid, set to launch on July 4, 2025, will span 5,800 acres near the Pantex nuclear weapons facility, leveraging its proximity to major gas pipelines and a large natural gas field. Perry emphasised the urgency, noting that China is constructing 22 nuclear reactors, while the U.S. is building none. “We’re behind, and it’s all hands on deck,” he told Reuters. For instance, the project aligns with President Trump’s executive orders to fast-track nuclear reactor approvals, though critics warn of safety risks due to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) overhauls.
⚛️🇺🇸 Rick Perry’s Fermi Launches Massive Nuclear-AI Power Project
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Fermi America will unveil the 11 GW “Hypergrid” complex on July 4, aiming to power millions and host AI data centers.
Backed by Trump-era nuclear reforms, it’s set to be the… pic.twitter.com/W2i0kyuCwD
— PiQ (@PiQSuite) June 26, 2025
The campus will support massive AI data centres, addressing the growing demand for energy-intensive computing. Fermi’s application for four 1-gigawatt reactors, reported by The Washington Post, is currently under review by the NRC, with public disclosure expected soon. Additionally, the site will feature a combined-cycle natural gas and solar power system, ensuring a diverse energy mix. However, U.S. nuclear projects, such as Georgia’s Vogtle reactors, which cost over $30 billion, face delays and cost overruns, raising concerns about their feasibility.
Answering @realDonaldTrump's call for global energy and AI dominance, Fermi America is pioneering the development of next-generation electric grids that deliver highly redundant power at gigawatt scale, required to create next-generation artificial intelligence.
Introducing the… pic.twitter.com/lMJjW0vNMf
— Fermi America (@FermiAmerica) June 26, 2025
Critics, including some nuclear proponents, question the NRC’s recent changes, arguing they prioritise politics over safety, per The Guardian. Trump’s firing of Democratic NRC commissioner Chris Hanson this month fueled these concerns. Meanwhile, Fermi’s Executive Chairman Toby Neugebauer, remains optimistic, citing the Texas Panhandle’s remote location as ideal for swift permitting. Yet, financing details remain unclear, adding uncertainty to the project’s timeline.
The Hypergrid could transform America’s energy landscape, supporting AI innovation and clean power goals. Congressman Ronny Jackson hailed it as a step to outpace China in the global AI race, per Hart Energy. As geotechnical work begins, the project’s success hinges on overcoming historical nuclear challenges. For now, Fermi’s bold vision promises to redefine Texas as a hub for next-generation energy and technology