Google and data center developer Intersect have announced the construction of the Meitner Energy Center, a joint project spanning Gray and Roberts Counties in the Texas Panhandle that will co-locate a new Google data center with more than a gigawatt of wind, solar, and battery storage systems.

The announcement was made on June 4, 2026, and marks a deepening of the two companies' presence in a region where Intersect has maintained an active community footprint since 2022.

A Co-Location Model Designed to Limit Grid Impact

The core design principle behind the Meitner Energy Center is co-location, meaning the data center will come online at the same time as dedicated energy generation built specifically to serve it.

According to the announcement, the majority of the site's power will come from clean energy starting on day one, with a minority share of demand met by on-site gas generation to ensure reliable operations.

Google and Intersect stated that their shared commitment is to ensure that the buildout of energy and data center infrastructure does not pass the costs of its growth onto local families.

Google describes itself as an industry leader in energy efficiency and states that it pays for 100 percent of the power it uses, covering infrastructure needs driven by its own growth rather than placing that burden on existing ratepayers or the broader regional grid.

Air Cooling and a USD 10 Million Water Fund Address Regional Water Concerns

Water consumption is a significant concern in the Texas Panhandle, a region that draws heavily on the Ogallala Aquifer.

Google says its Gray County facility will use advanced air-cooling technology, which will limit water consumption to small-scale domestic uses such as restrooms once the facility is complete.

Beyond its direct operations, Google has announced a USD 10 million Texas Water Impact Fund intended to support community water infrastructure and access through local projects, including leaking pipeline replacements.

The company says the fund builds on existing collaboration with organizations including Texan by Nature and Texas Water Trade to improve watershed health across the state. Google's stated goal is to replenish more freshwater than it consumes across its operations.

Thousands of Jobs Projected, With a Dedicated Worker Hub in Wheeler County

Google and Intersect project that the data center will generate substantial employment both inside and outside the facility.

The companies cited a figure suggesting that for every one job inside a Google data center in the United States, nine additional jobs are created directly in the local community, spanning maintenance, security, landscaping, HVAC repair, electrical work, and construction trades.

To support the construction phase, Google is establishing what it is calling the Caprock Workforce Hub in nearby Wheeler County.

The managed residential facility will sit on approximately 800 acres and is designed to accommodate up to 3,500 workers.

Google says the hub is intended to minimize traffic and reduce impact on local infrastructure by operating with self-sufficient utilities and dedicated transportation.

Planned onsite amenities include a basketball court, a fitness center, and social spaces. Google stated it is working closely with Wheeler County leadership to ensure the hub fits the community's needs.

Community Reactions From Gray County and Pampa

Local officials and business leaders in the region responded positively to the announcement.

Gray County Judge Chris Porter described the partnership with Google and Intersect as instrumental in aligning the infrastructure initiative with Gray County priorities, calling the investment a foundation for regional progress and a demonstration of confidence in the community's long-term success.

Cortnie Hale, President and CEO of the Pampa Chamber of Commerce, said the organization is excited to welcome Google and characterized the Meitner data center project as a tremendous opportunity for the community.

Hale said the project reinforces that Pampa is a place where innovation, growth, and long-term potential are being recognized on a global scale.

Andrew Hart, Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs at Google, said the company's goal extends beyond constructing a data center.

Hart stated that Google aims to be a good neighbor starting on day one by investing in local priorities, protecting water and energy resources, and working with residents to build a strong future together.

Intersect's Existing Ties to Gray and Roberts Counties

Intersect has been present in Gray and Roberts Counties since 2022, and the company says it has spent that time partnering with local leaders and organizations across a range of community initiatives.

Local investments have included support for the Pampa Independent School District's Career and Technical Education program and student activities, The Well STEAM and Literacy Center, and the Texas 4-H Foundation.

Elizabeth Knowles, Head of Community Engagement at Intersect, said the company is deeply invested in the long-term success of the Gray and Roberts County communities and expressed pride in supporting local schools, nonprofits, and the next generation of leaders through continued partnerships.

The Meitner Energy Center represents what both companies described as a continuation and deepening of a joint effort that began with their first announced project together, with the new site adding Google's global data center network to Intersect's existing regional energy development work in the Texas Panhandle.