Texas data center boom: 248 new projects planned statewide (AI-driven)

Texas is experiencing an AI-driven data center boom, with at least 248 projects planned statewide, according to a Texas Tribune analysis of data from industry trackers Cleanview and Data Center Map. The Houston Public Media report cites the figure as part of rapid growth in facilities that house servers for cloud computing, streaming, banking and artificial intelligence models. The analysis found 335 existing data centers in Texas and at least 248 more in planning or construction. Of the planned projects, 86 are in North Texas, 56 in Central Texas and 45 in West Texas. Nearly half are slated for unincorporated areas, where county governments have limited authority to regulate development compared with cities. Data centers require large amounts of electricity for servers and water for cooling systems. Industry representatives point to Texas business-friendly policies, available land, power and fiber infrastructure as reasons for the influx. State officials have begun reviewing regulations on energy costs, tax incentives and water use ahead of the 2027 legislative session.