LUBBOCK, Texas (NEWS RELEASE) – On Wednesday (June 25), the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) revealed a partnership with top energy and tech firm Fermi America. This alliance aims to establish one of the country’s foremost power facilities and the globe’s biggest hub for advancing energy systems, private grids, and intelligent technologies.
Situated across roughly 5,800 acres in the Texas Panhandle—an area renowned for its extensive history of energy production and abundant natural resources—the Advanced Energy and Intelligence Campus aims to cater to the escalating needs of artificial intelligence (AI), data innovation, and sustainable energy initiatives.
The website will encompass 18 million square feet of data centers and produce as much as 11 gigawatts of IT capacity through natural gas, solar, wind, and clean nuclear power sources, offering a complete answer for the requirements of AI advancement.
For 75 years, Texas Tech University (TTU) and the TTU System have served the Panhandle and the West Texas area. This partnership between the TTU System and Fermi America will ensure they maintain and enhance their distinctive commitment moving forward.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Fermi America on this significant initiative,” stated Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., “As the global epicenter for energy, Texas will see the establishment of an unprecedented energy and data facility through this partnership. This venture stands as a powerful symbol of resilience embodying the essence of our university system, the Texas Panhandle, and the remarkable state we call home.”
This ambitious initiative, launched by Fermi America—a company cofounded by ex-U.S. Energy Secretary and past Texas Governor Rick Perry—will offer essential energy solutions via advanced tech and top-tier interdisciplinary guidance. This effort aims to cement the U.S.'s role at the forefront of the power-hungry AI competition on an international scale.
“The Chinese are currently constructing 22 nuclear reactors,” stated Perry. “We have fallen behind, and everyone needs to contribute their efforts. President Trump’s initial executive order addressed the energy situation and emphasized our commitment to making America an energy leader. When it comes to energy, nobody surpasses Texas, and both Fermi America along with the Texas Tech University System are stepping up to meet this challenge.”
Beyond the energy and technological aspects, this initiative will further the goals of the TTU System by offering educational and research possibilities for both educators and learners. This encompasses internships, job placements, and workforce development programs designed to enhance each of the system’s five institutions. Additionally, the proposal involves building a new academic and research center equipped with offices, classrooms, and meeting areas.
Fermi America is dedicated to advancing the growth of the TTU System through backing an excellence fund aimed at bolstering strategic goals, fostering academic distinction, progressing research initiatives, and securing student achievement.
"This partnership will not only help Texas Tech tackle the changing requirements of the energy and technology industries but will also provide significant educational experiences for our students and open up new avenues for research across various fields for our faculty," stated TTU President Lawrence Schovanec.
About Fermi America
Fermi America stands as a premier force in energy development, dedicated to fueling the advancement of artificial intelligence. Established by ex-U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, this firm merges advanced technologies with an impressive team of accomplished interdisciplinary experts. Their ambitious initiative is the creation of the world’s most extensive next-generation HyperGrid—a pioneering microgrid situated at their campus. This facility integrates the country’s largest nuclear power station, the biggest integrated-cycle natural gas venture, conventional electrical supply from the grid, photovoltaic systems, and battery storage facilities. The aim is to offer hyper-scale computational capabilities, thereby delivering essential infrastructural energy services designed to propel AI into the future.
Regarding the Texas Tech University System
Founded in 1996, the Texas Tech University System ranks among the leading public university systems in the country, comprising five institutions: Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, and Midwestern State University.
Based in Lubbock, Texas, the TTU System operates as a massive organization worth over $3 billion. It concentrates on enhancing higher education, healthcare, research, and community engagement through roughly 21,000 staff members and 64,000 enrolled individuals across various programs. The system boasts more than 400,000 alumni who have contributed significantly to generating a state-wide economic effect amounting to $19.2 billion, alongside an endowed fund totaling $3 billion. Since its inception, the TTU System has rapidly expanded into one of national recognition, managing educational facilities spread out among 21 sites located within 17 different urban centers—of which 15 are situated in Texas and two abroad.
Furthermore, the TTU System stands out as one of just nine nationwide that provide undergraduate, medical, law, nursing, pharmacy, dental, and veterinary educational programs, along with various other fields of study.