Updated October 29, 2025 –Fermi America has signed two major nuclear energy agreements to advance its ambitious data center campus in Amarillo, Texas. The first agreement, with South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility, follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year and focuses on producing long-lead-time nuclear equipment, including reactor pressure vessels and steam generators. These components will support the deployment of four planned Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactors, forming the backbone of the campus’s long-term power supply.
The second deal, with Hyundai Engineering & Construction (E&C), covers Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for the four reactors, laying the groundwork for a full engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract expected in early 2026. “Doosan Enerbility and Hyundai E&C have been waiting for an American company to stop power pointing about nuclear and start building it,” said Toby Neugebauer, co-founder and CEO of Fermi America. “Their firm commitment to Fermi America positions us for action, leveraging their track record to build clean, new nuclear power at the velocity and scale the President demands and the U.S. requires.”
Project Matador: One of the World’s Largest AI and Energy Complexes
Fermi America plans Project Matador, an 11 GW hyperscale data center campus in Amarillo, Texas, next to the DOE’s Pantex plant. The Texas Tech University System partners with Fermi to develop 18 million square feet of AI-focused data centers. The campus will draw power from nuclear, natural gas, solar, and wind energy sources. Fermi, co-founded by former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, filed for an IPO on Nasdaq under the ticker FRMI. The company expects the first 1 GW online by late 2026, positioning Project Matador among the world’s largest AI-energy campuses.
In July, Fermi expanded its capacity with the acquisition of more than 600MW of natural gas generation across two deals, including nine turbines, to meet near-term demand. The company aims to deliver 1GW of AI power by 2026. While natural gas will anchor the project in its early stages, Fermi’s long-term strategy prioritizes nuclear energy as the core power supply.
Washington 27th June 2025 – Texas-based Fermi America, co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, has announced plans to build the Largest U.S. Energy and Data Complex, powered by nuclear, natural gas, and solar energy. Dubbed the “Hypergrid” project, it will be developed in partnership with Texas Tech University and formally launched on July 4.
Massive Scale and Clean Power Ambition
The largest U.S. energy and data complex will be built near Amarillo, adjacent to the DOE’s Pantex plant, spanning nearly 5,800 acres. Fermi says the Hypergrid campus could eventually produce up to 11 GW of energy, enough to power over 8.2M homes. The first 1 GW is expected online by late 2026. It will also host large-scale AI data centers, strategically located near major gas pipelines and atop a vast natural gas field, joining the largest data centers being built around the world.
Nuclear Power in the Spotlight
Fermi’s announcement comes amid renewed national focus on nuclear energy. Former Secretary Perry emphasized urgency: “We’re behind—and it’s all hands on deck.” He noted that while China is currently building 22 reactors, the U.S. has none under construction. Fermi has applied for four 1-GW nuclear reactors, though the company has not confirmed specifics or revealed financing details.
Fermi America’s nuclear agreements join a growing trend of tech and energy firms reopening or expanding nuclear plants alongside renewable energy, following deals like Google’s $1.6 B Iowa nuclear project with NextEra.
Political Momentum and Regulatory Scrutiny
The Largest U.S. Energy and Data Complex project aligns with recent executive orders from former President Trump to fast-track nuclear reactor applications and restructure the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). While these moves aim to revive the sector, they’ve drawn criticism over concerns of weakening oversight.
The NRC confirmed it is reviewing Fermi’s applications, with more public details expected soon.
Project Summary: Largest U.S. Energy and Data Complex
- Developer: Fermi America
- Location: Amarillo, Texas (near Pantex Plant)
- Energy Capacity: Up to 11 GW (nuclear, gas, solar)
- Initial Output: 1 GW by late 2026
- Purpose: Power generation & AI data center campus
- Partners: Texas Tech University
why does it say “project aligns with executive order from FORMER president Donald Trump