Urgent: $1.3 Billion AI Data Center Planned for Port Arthur

UPDATE: A groundbreaking $1.3 billion Artificial Intelligence Data Center is set to transform Port Arthur, Texas, as officials outline plans in a critical meeting earlier this week. The Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce convened business leaders at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center to discuss workforce and power requirements for this ambitious project, poised to reshape the local economy.

Officials confirm that the data center’s development hinges on the construction of a new Entergy Texas power plant, which will be capable of delivering energy to more than 300,000 homes. This urgent need for electricity comes as the region experiences rapid growth, prompting the Public Utility Commission of Texas to approve Entergy’s proposal for two highly efficient natural gas power plants.

Joe Tant, president of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the significance of the project. “The data center will require 42 acres for construction,” he stated, noting that 100 acres are currently available at the Port Arthur Business Park. This initiative is expected to generate approximately $2.8 billion in economic activity and create over 9,000 construction jobs in the area.

The new Entergy power plant, along with the Legend and Lone Star 9 power stations, is projected to add more than 1,200 megawatts of reliable energy to the Southeast Texas grid by mid-2028. This substantial capacity will not only support new customer demand but also lower costs for existing customers.

“A modern data center is among the most capital-intensive construction projects today,” according to the Chamber’s contractor readiness guide. Early utility coordination and a strong safety performance are essential for success. The estimated timeline for the data center project spans 18 to 36 months, with contractors encouraged to have relevant experience to secure their roles.

The employment impact is significant, with plans for 225 construction jobs and 22 permanent positions once operational. Tant also highlighted that the data center will produce one-quarter of the megawatts generated by the new Entergy plant. This ambitious venture aligns with the Ford Motor Company’s recent announcement to repurpose one of its plants to manufacture modules specifically for data centers, further integrating the tech and manufacturing sectors.

For contractors looking to engage in this transformative project, readiness checklists include civil and site contractors, general contractor/EPC, electrical and mechanical contractors, and telecom services. The procurement and bid release schedule outlines critical phases, from pre-development to commissioning.

As the region gears up for this transformative shift, early coordination and contractor readiness will be vital to capture local opportunities. Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed as developments unfold. For more details, contact the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce at 409-963-1107.