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Fermi America plans massive AI complex powered by nuclear in Amarillo
The company is working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on a pilot program to streamline the approval process.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:09pm
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Fermi America, co-founded by former U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, is planning to build the world's largest energy-driven artificial intelligence complex in Amarillo, Texas. The company is also working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on a pilot program to develop a more efficient regulatory approval process for the nuclear power plants that will help power the massive data center operation.
Why it matters
This project represents a significant investment in advanced technology infrastructure in the Amarillo region, which could drive economic growth and innovation. However, the use of nuclear power to fuel a large-scale data center also raises questions about safety, environmental impact, and the future of energy-intensive computing.
The details
Fermi America plans to build a behind-the-meter HyperGrid campus in Amarillo that will be powered by large-scale nuclear power plants, along with other energy sources. The company is working with the NRC on a pilot program to streamline the environmental review process for the proposed Fermi Units 1-4 nuclear reactors, which are part of the broader 'Project Matador' development. This new approach is expected to reduce NRC review time by 50% and deliver resource savings of 30%, while still maintaining compliance with environmental regulations.
- Fermi America submitted a combined license application for the proposed Fermi Units 1-4 in 2025.
- The first nuclear reactor is expected to be operational by 2032.
- Construction on the overall Amarillo project is set to begin this year.
The players
Fermi America
A technology company co-founded by former U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry that is planning to build a massive AI-powered data center complex in Amarillo, Texas.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
The federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the use of nuclear power in the United States.
Rick Perry
The former U.S. Secretary of Energy who is a co-founder of Fermi America.
What they’re saying
“By rethinking the traditional review process, the program is expected to reduce in-house NRC review time by approximately 50% and deliver resource savings of about 30%, all while maintaining compliance with environmental requirements.”
— Nuclear Regulatory Commission
What’s next
The NRC will decide whether to approve Fermi America's pilot program for streamlining the environmental review process for the proposed nuclear reactors in Amarillo.
The takeaway
This project represents a bold vision for integrating advanced technology, renewable energy, and nuclear power to fuel the growing demand for energy-intensive computing. However, the plan will face scrutiny over safety, environmental impact, and the broader implications of powering large-scale data centers with nuclear energy.
