PowerPlay AI Plans 400-MW Data Center Powered by West Texas Gas Infrastructure

PowerPlay AI plans to develop a 400-MW behind-the-meter AI data center near Abilene, Texas, with natural gas infrastructure expected to support the project's targeted 2028 startup.

(P&GJ) — PowerPlay AI plans to develop a 400-MW behind-the-meter AI data center in the greater Abilene area of West Texas, advancing natural gas service agreements as it works toward a targeted 2028 startup.

The project will be developed through a joint venture with a Nasdaq-listed neocloud company. According to the company, site feasibility work, infrastructure assessments and land acquisition have been completed, allowing the project to move into the execution phase.

PowerPlay AI said it is negotiating natural gas service agreements and expects to select an independent power producer after completing its request-for-proposal process.

The development will rely on existing natural gas and fiber infrastructure and is located near several AI data center campuses that are operating, under construction or planned in the Abilene region.

The company said the project is designed to deliver 400 MW of behind-the-meter power beginning in 2028.

Luke Velterop of PowerPlay AI said access to reliable power has become one of the industry's biggest challenges as AI infrastructure expands.

"Demand is accelerating faster than the grid can respond, interconnection queues now stretch into the 2030s, and competition for sites that can deliver scalable power at speed has never been greater."

Velterop said the project's location and existing infrastructure are intended to accelerate development.

"PowerPlay AI is advancing a strategically positioned development where pipelines, policy and people converge to drive rapid execution."

Additional project details, including the identity of the joint venture partner and the selected independent power producer, have not yet been disclosed.