Fermi America has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) to design and build the nuclear portion of a large-scale private energy infrastructure project aimed at powering next-generation artificial intelligence in Texas. The facility, called HyperGrid, will be built near Amarillo and developed in collaboration with the Texas Tech University system.
According to the plan, HyperGrid will be the first private campus in the United States to combine multiple energy sources simultaneously: the largest private nuclear complex in the country, the most powerful combined-cycle gas turbine power plant, plus solar panels, batteries, and an external power grid. Almost all of the electricity produced, approximately 1 GW, will be consumed directly on the data centers’ premises, without being fed into the general power grid.
The key component of the project is four Westinghouse AP1000 pressurized water reactors. On June 17, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a combined construction and operation license, which Fermi America called a record-breaking decision. Construction of the nuclear “island” is scheduled to begin next year, with the first reactor expected to be operational in 2032.
The memorandum provides for Hyundai E&C’s participation in all phases of the life cycle, from design and engineering planning to the signing of the equipment supply and construction (EPC) contract. The parties plan to complete the development of all work packages and sign the EPC agreement by the end of 2025. Fermi America co-founder Toby Neugebauer noted, “America can’t afford to be a hands-on player: we need experienced partners, and Hyundai has already proven it can build safe and clean nuclear power plants.”
For Hyundai E&C, this project represents a strategic entry into the US energy market, which is currently experiencing a surge in interest in nuclear generation. Company representatives emphasized that participation in HyperGrid gives them access to promising early-stage projects and creates the conditions to participate in the creation of the world’s largest integrated power and computing complex using multiple energy sources.
Looking ahead, Hyundai intends to use this collaboration as a springboard to expand its presence in the nuclear power segment. new energy solutions not only in the United States, but also in other countries, while strengthening its technological and competitive base.
The architecture chosen for the complex, which combines baseload nuclear generation, flexible gas turbines, and intermittent renewable energy sources, is becoming increasingly relevant for industrial customers with 24/7 consumption. This solution helps offset the volatility of wholesale energy market prices and reduces dependence on regulatory restrictions on carbon emissions.
The investment in HyperGrid reflects a broader trend: a structural shift in US energy consumption. For the first time in two decades, rising industrial production, data center growth, and infrastructure electrification have reversed the trend, with annual demand growth now exceeding 3% and expected to continue through 2040, according to McKinsey’s Energy Report 2025.
Consultants emphasize that addressing this challenge will require adopting technologies that improve grid efficiency, as well as expanding the use of commercial nuclear power.
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