Haskell County eyes potential future with microreactors, Google data center
HASKELL, Texas () – Haskell County is embracing the future of technology, positioning itself as a potential hub for cutting-edge energy solutions. The county could soon be home to microreactors designed to power data centers, including sites like Lancium in Abilene.
Haskell County to host 30 microreactors for Texas data centers
Last Energy, the company spearheading the project, plans to build 30 microreactors on 200 acres in Haskell County. These reactors would supply energy to data centers across Texas through a mix of private wire and grid transmission. Haskell Mayor Christina Isbell says the $100 million project could bring significant benefits to the West Texas town.
'There could be anywhere from 3-500 people in the area working on all these projects. So when they come to Haskell and they shop at our stores, get gas here, eat at our restaurants, it helps our tax revenue,' Isbell said. 'I know that is going to bring quite a few good jobs to our Haskell, somewhere between 70 and 80 full-time positions when it's up and running.'
The Last Energy Haskell County Project is a proposed micro-nuclear power plant that would provide clean energy with a lifespan of 40 years. The facility is planned for a 200-acre site at the intersection of County Road 268 and Farm-to-Market Road 266. Haskell County Judge Kenny Thompson said the area has already benefited from clean energy projects like wind and solar.
'It's been a boost to the county. The part about the green energy coming here, it's really helped on our budget and taxes. We've kept taxes down to a minimum and not had to increase rates,' Thompson said.
Another major project in the works is the Cloud West Center, a proposed Google-owned data center. If both projects move forward, Mayor Isbell says the impact could be even greater than anticipated.
'It's going to be called the Cloud West Campus, and it just talks about the energy and tech leadership. And I do know that they've talked about that once that data centers open, that's probably another 50 jobs that would be out there,' Isbell explained.
MORE DETAILS: Abilene announced for largest AI infrastructure project with $500 billion+ investment
Judge Thompson also addressed concerns about the microreactor project, emphasizing its safety.
'We think of nuclear energy as a scary thing somewhat. After reading about nuclear energy, it's actually a more efficient way of producing electricity,' Judge Thompson said. '[Last Energy] told us the earliest would be summer 2029 and they're working on getting a federal permit for nuclear energy. They will also have permitting from the state of Texas.'
The county granted Cloud West Center a 50% tax abatement, and some members of the Haskell community were required to sign NDAs regarding the project.
For now, both projects remain in the planning stages. Thompson said, 'It's not a done deal yet.'
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