Meitner Energy Center in Gray County aims for jobs growth; completion expected by 2028
Google and Intersect are developing the Meitner Energy Center, a data center in Gray County, Texas, which is expected to create jobs and foster long-term growth in the Pampa community. Local officials support the project, while Google addresses community concerns about water usage and potential grid strain by investing in water infrastructure and utilizing sustainable energy solutions for the air-cooled facility. The center is projected to be completed by 2028.
Google and Intersect are constructing the Meitner Energy Center, a new data center in Gray County, Texas. This significant project is expected to bring substantial job growth, investment, and long-term economic development to the Texas Panhandle, particularly the Pampa community.
Cortnie Hale, president and CEO of the Pampa Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the long-term investment by both companies and anticipated diverse business opportunities for the region. She emphasized that the community is open to new businesses, including those in technology, and foresees the opening of small businesses, restaurants, and stores as a result of the data center’s presence.
Google, which declined an interview request regarding the economic impact and water usage, provided a statement reaffirming its commitment to responsible data center development in Texas. The company stated that each data center generates hundreds of jobs and announced a $10 million investment into the Texas Water Impact Fund to support public water infrastructure. Additionally, Google plans to mitigate local grid strain by employing an air-cooled design with over a gigawatt of dedicated, co-located wind, solar, and battery storage.
Hale acknowledged community concerns about water usage, explaining that Google and Intersect are actively working on environmental impact, utilizing sustainable energy, and implementing a closed-loop cooling system that requires a one-time fill. She clarified that refills would only be needed in case of an issue. The Meitner Energy Center in Gray County is slated for completion by 2028.