New Era Helium & Sharon AI Plan 250MW Net-Zero Data Center
New Era Helium, Inc. (“New Era Helium” or the “Company”), a leading exploration and production (E&P) company specializing in sourcing helium from natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin, and its joint venture partner, Sharon AI, Inc. (“Sharon AI”), a High-Performance Computing (HPC) business focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Cloud GPU Compute Infrastructure, and Data Storage, have announced a major step forward in their collaborative efforts. Their joint venture, Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC (“TCDC”), has signed a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to acquire a 200-acre site in Ector County, Texas, for the development of a 250MW net-zero energy AI/HPC data center.
The agreement was formalized with GROW Odessa, an economic development corporation established in 1966, dedicated to fostering business expansion and attracting new industries to the Odessa region. With a track record of successfully facilitating economic growth, GROW Odessa will support TCDC in initiating a “behind-the-meter” data center campus designed with a clear pathway to achieving net-zero energy consumption. Ector County is well-positioned for this endeavor due to its established CO2 infrastructure, which is essential for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) via enhanced oil recovery methods.
The acquisition of the 200-acre site remains contingent on a comprehensive due diligence process and finalizing definitive agreements, a process expected to conclude within the next ninety days. This particular site is among several potential locations identified by the joint venture and is strategically positioned near essential infrastructure, including fiber optic networks, two natural gas transmission lines, and CO2 pipeline infrastructure. The incorporation of CCUS and energy transition technologies enhances the site’s appeal as a prime location for scalable, energy-efficient AI/HPC infrastructure.
Initial planning for the data center, a natural gas-fired power plant, and fiber connectivity is already underway. The first phase of the project is projected to come online by late 2026. TCDC anticipates finalizing a natural gas supply contract with New Era Helium in the second quarter of 2025, ensuring a stable and cost-effective energy supply for the development.
Key upcoming milestones in the project’s development include securing entitlements for the site, selecting power generation and CO2 capture technologies, appointing technology partners, and engaging with potential offtake partners. These partners may include major cloud service providers, hyperscalers, and other large-scale energy consumers that require substantial computational capacity and reliable power.
E. Will Gray II, CEO of New Era Helium, Inc., expressed optimism about the project, stating: “With the initial site now identified, TCDC is poised to execute its planned power strategy for the behind-the-meter data center campus. New Era Helium is pleased to collaborate with GROW Odessa and is committed to completing the necessary due diligence to secure the planned site efficiently. While advancing towards the closure of this site, we are simultaneously working with contractors to design and build the 250MW data center campus. Our goal is to leverage the advantages of the Permian Basin, particularly access to affordable and reliable power, to attract top-tier partners.”
Wolf Schubert, CEO of Sharon AI, Inc., emphasized the project’s significance within the broader AI infrastructure landscape: “We are thrilled to be developing large-scale data center infrastructure in the U.S. alongside our partners at New Era Helium, who bring extensive energy infrastructure expertise to the joint venture. The demand for large-scale data center and power capacity is rapidly increasing, as demonstrated by the recently announced Stargate Project, which includes companies such as OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. These firms are collectively planning to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in AI infrastructure in the United States. The growth of AI and high-performance computing underscores the need for energy-efficient and scalable solutions like the one we are developing in Ector County.”
Russell Tippin, President of GROW Odessa, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are excited to be working with Sharon AI and New Era Helium on this groundbreaking initiative to develop a net-zero energy data center in Ector County. The Odessa area is an ideal location for such a project due to its existing infrastructure, economic incentives, and commitment to energy innovation. We take pride in the fact that Sharon AI has chosen Ector County for this significant investment. Our organization, alongside the Odessa Development Corporation, is dedicated to facilitating the necessary steps to bring this project to fruition.”
The strategic significance of this project extends beyond the immediate business interests of New Era Helium and Sharon AI. The establishment of a net-zero energy AI/HPC data center aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing sustainability, energy efficiency, and the integration of next-generation computational infrastructure. The growing demand for AI-driven applications, including machine learning, cloud computing, and large-scale data processing, necessitates high-capacity computing environments that are both energy-efficient and resilient.
This project highlights the intersection of energy and technology, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can drive innovation in both sectors. By utilizing natural gas as a primary energy source and integrating CO2 capture technologies, the data center aims to set a new benchmark for environmentally responsible computing infrastructure. Additionally, the commitment to achieving net-zero energy aligns with global initiatives focused on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing the sustainability of industrial operations.
Beyond the technological and environmental aspects, the economic impact of this development is substantial. The construction and operation of the data center will create new job opportunities in Ector County, stimulate local businesses, and contribute to the region’s economic diversification. The influx of investments and the establishment of a cutting-edge AI/HPC facility will further position West Texas as a hub for high-tech infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions.
As New Era Helium and Sharon AI move forward with this ambitious project, their focus will remain on executing a seamless development strategy while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, environmental guidelines, and community engagement efforts. The collaboration between these industry leaders, coupled with the support of GROW Odessa, is expected to result in a landmark achievement in AI and energy infrastructure development.
With the backing of strong industry players and a commitment to sustainability, the Texas Critical Data Centers project in Ector County is poised to become a leading example of how the energy and technology sectors can work together to drive innovation while minimizing environmental impact. As the project progresses, further updates on design, technology integration, and partner collaborations will be announced, shaping the future of AI-driven data infrastructure in the United States.
