AI data center by Hut 8 is set to revolutionize Nueces County, promising job growth and cutting-edge infrastructure without tapping into local water source
ROBSTOWN, Texas — A massive new artificial intelligence data center is headed to Nueces County, bringing billions in investment and hundreds of jobs to the region. Energy and digital infrastructure company Hut 8 has signed a 15-year, $9.8 billion lease for its new Beacon Point data center campus in Robstown, according to a news release from the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation. The project marks a major shift for the Coastal Bend, introducing advanced digital infrastructure to an area historically rooted in heavy industry.
The first two phases of Beacon Point are expected to represent a combined $17 billion capital investment, with a significant economic ripple effect across Nueces County. Construction is projected to support approximately 1,900 jobs, while the facility will bring an estimated 230 permanent positions once fully operational, according to the release.
Earlier estimates indicate at least 115 long-term jobs tied directly to initial operations. The campus will initially deliver 352 megawatts of computing capacity, with plans to scale up to 1,000 megawatts — enough to power large-scale artificial intelligence systems.
The project is being executed under Hut 8’s repeatable delivery model, working with major Tier 1 partners including American Electric Power, Vertiv, and Jacobs.
With a project of this size, questions about water usage are already being raised. According to project details, the facility will not rely on local water supplies for cooling. Instead, the data center will use a closed-loop cooling system, where water circulates through sealed piping. The system will be filled once using water sourced from outside Nueces County and is expected to remain in use for four to seven years without needing replacement. This means there will be no ongoing water draw from local sources for cooling operations.
Municipal water will only be used for everyday needs like restrooms and sinks. Officials estimate usage at about 10,000 gallons per day per phase, comparable to the daily water use of a small commercial business such as a restaurant.
The facility is expected to go live in early 2027.