CyrusOne Data Center: Economic Boost & Rural Burden?
CyrusOne is developing a hyper scale data center in Freestone County, Texas, in partnership with Constellation Energy's Calpine unit. The project, located near the existing Freestone Energy Center, plans for up to 760 MW capacity. Local residents are encouraged to attend upcoming special meetings and public hearings to discuss concerns regarding noise, light pollution, water usage, and environmental impacts.
CyrusOne, in collaboration with Constellation Energy's Calpine unit, is constructing a new hyper scale data center campus in Freestone County, Texas. The facility, situated on a 506-acre site adjacent to the Freestone Energy Center natural gas plant near Fairfield, was announced in February 2026 and aims for a total capacity of 760 MW across two phases, with the first phase expected to be operational by late 2026.
The project is touted by developers as an economic boost, promising job creation during construction and dozens of permanent positions, along with substantial property tax revenue for county budgets and local services. Its co-location with the Calpine plant is intended to ensure reliable on-site power and support the ERCOT grid.
However, the development has raised significant concerns among Freestone County residents. Key issues include persistent noise pollution from cooling systems, light pollution impacting rural night skies, and considerable water usage for cooling, potentially straining local aquifers during droughts. Environmental groups and residents are also worried about land clearing affecting post oak savanna habitat and endangered species like the Alligator Snapping Turtle and Timber Rattler.
Citizens are urged to participate in a special meeting on June 10 and a public hearing on June 17 before the Freestone County Commissioners to voice questions and advocate for enforceable commitments regarding noise mitigation barriers, dark-sky lighting, water conservation, and independent environmental monitoring.