Weekly Data Center News: 02.09.2026

The second week of February 2026 highlights a strategic shift toward "campus-utility integration." We are seeing developers move beyond simply leasing space to forming deep, multi-gigawatt partnerships with power generators to ensure long-term viability.

For developers, the trend is shifting from "site acquisition" to "energy infrastructure acquisition." As local municipalities in markets like Ohio increase legal pressure on backup power solutions, the ability to secure massive, direct-to-grid power as seen in Texas is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage.

Constellation and CyrusOne Ink 1,100 MW Texas Deal

Constellation Energy and CyrusOne have announced a massive agreement to support a new data center at the Freestone Energy Center in Texas, bringing their total contracted power in the state to over 1,100 MW.

• Direct-to-Grid Strategy: The latest 380 MW agreement (with an option for a second 380 MW phase) colocates CyrusOne infrastructure adjacent to the Freestone Energy Center, utilizing Constellation's "Powered Land" model.

• Developer Analysis: This deal exemplifies the "Power-at-the-Source" trend. By building adjacent to existing generation, developers can bypass much of the transmission queue—a critical move as ERCOT's grid faces increasing load from AI applications.

Hilliard and Columbus Sue to Block Amazon Power Array

The city of Hilliard and the city of Columbus have filed a lawsuit to block Amazon's plan to install a massive "behind-the-meter" power array consisting of 228 fuel cells and 158 diesel generators.

• Regulatory Friction: Local officials argue the 72 MW installation amounts to an industrial-scale power plant in a residential area, bypassing local zoning through state-level approvals. Concerns center on CO2 emissions, noise, and the safety of pressurized natural gas near schools and parks.

• Developer Analysis: This is a major warning for the "behind-the-meter" movement. While fuel cells offer a path to grid independence, the local pushback in Ohio suggests that "mini-grids" will face the same NIMBY hurdles as the data centers themselves.

Serverfarm Tops Out 60 MW AI Campus in Houston

Serverfarm has reached the "topping out" milestone for its 60 MW CTX2 facility in Houston, a project built on sites previously occupied by HP and DXC.

• Brownfield Re-use: The development expands the existing HOU2 campus to a total potential capacity of 100 MW, leveraging existing grid infrastructure from its legacy hardware predecessors.

• Developer Analysis: Serverfarm’s success highlights the value of "re-skinning" legacy enterprise sites. By acquiring sites with existing power permits and structural footprints, developers can shave years off the "speed-to-market" clock compared to greenfield developments.

CleanARC and Crow Holdings Launch 245 MW Dallas Campus

CleanARC Data Centers and Crow Holdings have partnered to develop a 245 MW flagship campus in the Stemmons Corridor of Central Dallas.

• Urban Infill Advantage: The 40-acre "turnkey" campus is located near the Infomart, one of the world's largest interconnection hubs. The first phase is a 70 MW building expected to deliver in late 2027.

• Developer Analysis: This project signals a return to high-density urban infill for AI. While many AI projects are moving to rural areas for space, CleanARC is betting that the ultra-low latency provided by being near major carrier hotels will remain a premium requirement for inference-heavy tenants.

Global AI and Humain Target Denver with 24 MW Build

Global AI, in partnership with Saudi-based Humain, has acquired nearly 500 acres in Weld County, Colorado, for a new AI-focused data center.

• International Capital: The partnership is moving quickly, aiming to deliver an initial 24 MW of capacity this year on a site that previously housed Carestream Health.

• Developer Analysis: The entry of Saudi-backed capital (via Humain/Public Investment Fund) into the US "secondary" markets like Denver indicates that the search for land and power has gone global. Developers should expect increased competition from sovereign-wealth-backed players who are less sensitive to short-term interest rate fluctuations.

• high-speed backhaul, though it also concentrates market power among fewer providers.

Infrastructure Solutions for Data Center Developers

As the legal battle in Ohio proves, securing a site is only half the battle. LandGate provides the environmental and social risk mapping needed to identify jurisdictions where your power strategy won't end up in court.

Book a demo with our team today to explore our tailored solutions for navigating Wisconsin-style regulatory hurdles or visit our resource library for the latest insights on AI power demand.