Developer behind Amazon's Pecos County data center approaches Brewster County officials
Pacifico Energy met with Brewster County officials in Texas to discuss a potential multi-billion dollar natural gas power plant and AI data center northwest of Alpine. Locals voiced strong opposition over noise, water usage, and environmental impacts, while Pacifico Energy emphasized the project's economic benefits and efforts to mitigate concerns. The project is currently in the feasibility phase.
Pacifico Energy, the developer of a large natural gas power plant and AI data center in Pecos County for Amazon, is exploring a similar multi-billion dollar project in neighboring Brewster County, Texas. Representatives from Pacifico Energy, including Senior Director of Development Matthew Gomes, met with Brewster County officials on Tuesday to discuss the proposed data center and power plant on an 8,400-acre ranch in the Glass Mountains, northwest of Alpine. The company estimates the project could be a $5 billion to $60 billion investment, potentially employing 100-200 people.
The proposal is currently in the "feasibility" phase, with Pacifico conducting surveys and assessing potential sites. Matthew Gomes indicated the facility would be off-grid, powered by its own natural gas turbines, and possibly integrate solar and batteries. He also addressed water usage concerns, stating the facility would use a closed-loop system and explore using produced water or groundwater, while emphasizing sensitivity to local water resources. The existing Pecos County project previously received the largest air pollution permit in the country from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, a point of contention for environmental advocates.
Brewster County Judge Greg Henington and several local residents expressed significant concerns during the public comment period, primarily regarding around-the-clock noise, impacts on the region's dark skies, and long-term economic viability. Residents highlighted the county's identity as a natural respite from urban development and questioned the project's environmental impact, referencing the high emissions from the Pecos County plant. While Governor Greg Abbott recently ordered a statewide pause on new large-scale data centers connecting to Texas's electric grid, Pacifico Energy's proposed project would be off-grid. Officials indicated that discussions are ongoing, with future public engagement anticipated, but no formal decisions have been made.