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Amazon plans massive Texas AI data center and gas-fired power site
Amazon is advancing plans for the GW Ranch, a massive AI-focused data center campus in Pecos County, Texas. The project includes an off-grid power system featuring up to 7.65 GW of gas-fired generation, 1.8 GW of battery storage, and 750 MW of solar power. While the site will initially operate independently, Amazon is exploring future connections to the electrical grid to potentially supply power to other customers.
The scale of the energy infrastructure has raised environmental concerns. Regulatory documents estimate that the planned gas turbines could emit up to 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually under maximum operating conditions. This level of emissions is comparable to the annual output of entire nations like Switzerland or Ireland. Amazon has stated it will use non-potable water to minimize local watershed impact and aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Financially, Amazon's cloud division, AWS, is seeing significant growth driven by AI demand, reporting a 37% revenue increase in the second quarter. To support this expansion, Amazon has raised its capital expenditure forecast for 2026 to between 200 billion and 220 billion dollars. The company currently holds a backlog of 496 billion dollars in orders.
Entities
Amazon · Amazon Web Services · Margaret Callahan · Pacifico Energy · Pecos County · Texas
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The planned data center campus is designed to transition to grid-connected service and will not raise electricity costs for Texas families. www.reutersevents.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Amazon plans to use water not suitable for drinking or irrigation to avoid stressing the local watershed. www.reutersevents.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Amazon's AWS division reported a 37% year-over-year revenue increase in the second quarter. www.actualidadecommerce.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The GW Ranch project could reach over 5 GW of power generation by 2031 depending on customer needs. www.reutersevents.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The planned gas-fired plant at GW Ranch could emit up to 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually under maximum operating assumptions. www.mesazhi.com · www.datacenterknowledge.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Amazon projects capital expenditures of approximately 200 billion to 220 billion dollars for 2026. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.actualidadecommerce.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Amazon's total backlog of orders reached 496 billion dollars. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.actualidadecommerce.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The GW Ranch project will include 1.8 GW of battery storage and up to 750 MW of solar generation. www.reutersevents.com