Economy: SpaceX wants to build its own gas power plant to power AI

A gas power plant to power artificial intelligence. SpaceX proposes to build a computing center at Starbase, in south Texas. The project, detailed in a municipal notice dated November 6 relayed by the economic press, provides for the company to produce the electricity necessary for the site itself. The first phases would represent an investment of around $24 billion.

To power its servers, the company is planning up to 35 temporary turbines, capable of providing around 748 megawatts!

The key points of this article

SpaceX proposes to install a computing center and a natural gas power plant on approximately 180 hectares of land at Starbase.

The project provides for up to 35 temporary turbines, for an initial electrical power of around 748 megawatts.

A public hearing is scheduled for December 9, 2026 to review tax breaks and economic development agreements related to the project.

BitcoinTreasuries allocates 18,712 BTC to SpaceX, or approximately $1.39 billion at the price used by CoinDesk.

In Texas, SpaceX wants to produce electricity for its computing center

The project is located near the Port of Brownsville, within the boundaries of Starbase. SpaceX plans to build, own and operate both facilities on the same site. The $24 billion envelope covers the first phases of the project, with the possibility of expanding the complex later.

Electricity production occupies a central place in the file. For the initial phase, SpaceX is considering up to 35 natural gas turbines, installed on a temporary basis. Together they would provide approximately 748 megawatts of power. By producing its electricity on site, the company seeks to reduce its dependence on the local network to operate its computing equipment.

This approach is reminiscent of xAI, which SpaceX acquired in February 2026. The artificial intelligence company has already used gas turbines to power its Colossus computing center in the Memphis area. At Starbase, the project is in the proposal stage. The Dec. 9 hearing focuses on tax benefits and economic development agreements being considered by the city.

Access to electricity weighs on the choice of sites

For a data center dedicated to AI, the question is having sufficient power at the time of commissioning. A connection to the network may require work on electrical lines and substations. By planning a power plant on the same land as its servers, SpaceX seeks to reduce its dependence on this work and its schedule.

Producing on site, however, creates other constraints. It is necessary to ensure the gas supply, maintain the turbines and obtain the necessary authorizations for their operation. At Starbase, the announced 748 megawatts correspond to the planned initial production capacity, with temporary turbines. The project provides for the possibility of expanding the site, but this first capacity does not describe the needs of the complex in the long term.