The global race to dominate the infrastructure that will support artificial intelligence has just entered a new chapter. Vantage Data Centers, one of the largest providers of hyperscale data centers, announced a record investment of $25 billion to build the largest campus in its history, and one of the biggest in the world, in Shackelford County, Texas.
Named “Frontier,” the project is not only a monumental engineering feat; it symbolizes the scale of digital transformation driven by AI, where demand for computing power is multiplying at a pace few predicted just three years ago.
A giant of silicon and steel in the heart of Texas
The Frontier campus will cover approximately 1,200 acres (almost 5 km²) and will house 10 data centers totaling 3.7 million square feet (about 340,000 m²). Each facility is designed to support ultra-high density workloads, with racks exceeding 250 kW—levels unthinkable in traditional data centers from just a decade ago.
To achieve this, Vantage will incorporate advanced liquid cooling systems, a crucial technology to manage the heat generated by the latest GPUs powering the most demanding AI models. The first building is expected by the second half of 2026, although construction has already begun.
Dana Adams, President of Vantage North America, described the project as a turning point:
“Texas has become a critical market for AI providers. The launch of Frontier, with 1.4 GW of GPU compute capacity, marks a milestone in our promise to meet our clients’ unprecedented needs.”
An investment that boosts the local economy
The announcement is not just technological; it’s economic. Frontier will generate over 5,000 jobs during construction and ongoing operations—a record injection into Shackelford County’s labor market.
Governor Greg Abbott celebrated it in true Texan style:
“Everything’s bigger in Texas, including innovation. This investment will bring thousands of well-paying jobs and solidify the state’s position as a global leader in this new technological frontier.”
The company has also committed to investing in the community:
– Annual college scholarships for local students
– Donations to nonprofits and educational projects
– Training programs in technical and digital skills
– Partnerships with local contractors and suppliers to maximize regional impact
Sustainability as a key value
One of the most sensitive aspects in building next-generation data centers is environmental impact, especially in a state like Texas where water management is an ongoing challenge.
Vantage ensures that Frontier will follow its “sustainable by design” plan, featuring a closed-loop chiller cooling system that minimizes water consumption, avoiding the massive use typical of traditional evaporative cooling systems. According to the company, this design will save billions of gallons of water annually.
Additionally, the company aims to achieve LEED Gold certification—a global standard that evaluates energy efficiency, supply chain responsibility, and waste management—along with a longstanding commitment to powering the campus entirely with renewable energy.
Addressing AI’s hunger for computation
The size of Frontier reflects a fundamental shift in the industry. Just a few years ago, data centers were designed for workloads of 20-40 kW per rack, enough for traditional servers or cloud services. Today, generative AI and large-scale model training are pushing demand tenfold higher.
Building facilities with more than 1 GW of capacity is no longer futuristic; it’s a necessity. To put it in perspective, 1.4 GW is roughly equivalent to the electrical consumption of a city of one million residents.
In this context, Texas offers an unmatched combination:
– Abundant and inexpensive land for mega-campus construction
– Robust electrical infrastructure (though it has faced stresses during recent winters)
– An industrial tradition capable of providing skilled labor
A symbol of digital power
The launch of Frontier will not go unnoticed in the geopolitical landscape of technology. The U.S. aims to maintain its leadership in digital infrastructure against China, which is also investing heavily in mega-data centers, and Europe, which seeks a balance of capacity, sustainability, and stricter regulations.
For Shackelford County, known for its agricultural and livestock traditions, the project is almost paradoxical: from rural economy to the computing power fueling the future of AI.
County Judge John Viertel summarized with a mix of irony and pride:
“‘Frontier’ is a very fitting name. It reflects our history and mindset. Now, we’ll be active participants in the digital economy transforming the world.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
– What is Vantage Data Centers’ Frontier campus?
It’s a mega-campus in Shackelford County, Texas, valued at $25 billion, housing 10 data centers with a total capacity of 1.4 GW for high-density AI workloads.
– When will the first Frontier data center be ready?
The first building is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026, though construction is already underway.
– What economic impact will it have on the region?
It’s expected to create over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, along with scholarships, training programs, and donations to local organizations.
– How will the project address environmental challenges?
Frontier will feature a closed-loop cooling system saving billions of gallons of water annually, pursue LEED Gold certification, and operate entirely on renewable energy.