LUBBOCK, Texas - Aligned Data Centers, a leader in ultra-efficient data center development, has officially commenced work on "Project Caprock", a cutting-edge, sustainable data center campus in Northwest Texas. Situated in Hale County near Abernathy, Texas, the 313-acre campus marks a significant expansion of Aligned’s North American footprint, with plans to deliver 540 megawatts (MW) of capacity across six facilities and a total of 1.65 million square feet of infrastructure. The project is expected to inject $5 billion into the local economy.
The groundbreaking development begins with the construction of the campus’s first facility, designated as LBB-01, which is slated to become operational by the first quarter of 2027. Aligned CEO Andrew Schaap emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "We are proud to bring next-generation infrastructure to Hale County. Our expansion into Northwest Texas proves we can meet both the increased capacity demands from customers while also meeting community demands for the responsible construction of AI infrastructure."
Beyond its technological advancements, the Caprock campus is designed to serve as an economic engine for the region. The project is expected to generate thousands of high-paying construction jobs and local vendor opportunities over the course of the multi-year build-out. According to Michael Beadle, Senior Vice President of Operations, Mission Critical at Ryan Companies, "Our partnership with Aligned Data Centers on their West Texas expansion is a landmark project for the Abernathy and Hale County community, creating significant local jobs and opportunities for our subcontractor partners. We are proud to build the future of the data center industry with a partner who is not only committed to technological innovation and sustainable design but also to foster long-term economic growth in the region."
Once operational, the campus will provide skilled, permanent jobs in the technology sector and deliver substantial commercial tax revenues to support local public services, such as schools and emergency responders, as well as municipal infrastructure.
Aligned’s Caprock campus distinguishes itself through innovative sustainability practices aimed at reducing environmental impact. The development will utilize the company’s proprietary DeltaFlow liquid cooling technology alongside an advanced air-cooled heat rejection system featuring a closed-loop design. This approach ensures that water usage is minimized by recirculating the same water, thus safeguarding the local Ogallala Aquifer and ensuring the campus will not compete with the region's agricultural or residential water needs.
Julie Arrington, City Manager of Abernathy, lauded the initiative, saying, "Aligned’s decision to build this state-of-the-art campus in our area is a transformative moment for our city's economic future. This project goes far beyond immediate job creation and capital investment; it is about creating sustainable, long-term opportunities right here at home. Aligned has proven to be a great partner - bringing innovation to our doorstep while respecting our community's rural heritage and conserving our vital resources."
Aligned plans to engage with the community through its Aligned Academy initiative, partnering with local educational institutions to develop a skilled workforce pipeline for careers in mission-critical infrastructure. In addition, the company will collaborate with local organizations to ensure its resources and investments are directed toward meaningful community support.
Infrastructure enhancements are also a priority for the project. Aligned is funding and constructing the dedicated electrical systems required to power the Caprock campus. This proactive investment will shield local ratepayers from any cost impacts while ensuring the regional power grid remains reliable and resilient. Brad Baldridge, Interim President of Xcel Energy - Texas, New Mexico, praised the partnership, saying, "Through our close collaboration and a responsible, forward-thinking approach to grid development, we are ensuring Aligned receives the robust power it requires without compromising the highly reliable, resilient service that residents and businesses depend on every day."
With "Project Caprock", Aligned Data Centers is not only addressing the growing demand for advanced computing infrastructure but also demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and community development. By marrying innovation with environmental responsibility, the new campus is set to leave a lasting positive impact on both the data center industry and the Northwest Texas region. As Aligned continues its expansion, Hale County is poised to become a hub for next-generation technology and economic growth.
