GridFree AI Unveils South Dallas One: A Pioneer in Grid-Independent Data Infrastructure

GridFree AI, a Houston-based company, is making waves in the data center industry by unveiling its first grid-independent site, South Dallas One. This innovative venture is set to reshape how data centers approach energy consumption as demand for power surges, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.

What is South Dallas One?

Located in Hill County, approximately an hour south of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, South Dallas One serves as a part of GridFree AI’s ambitious South Dallas Cluster. This cluster is akin to a data center campus, boasting a planned capacity of nearly 5 gigawatts (GW) over three sites, with each site expected to provide more than 1.5 GW of power. The infrastructure is meticulously designed to support high-density AI workloads, ensuring it meets the rising energy demands of modern technology.

A Vision for Energy Resilience

As data centers grapple with increasing power constraints, there is a noticeable shift from being mere utility customers to forward-thinking energy planners. GridFree AI exemplifies this approach by building infrastructure that maximally utilizes natural gas produced in the U.S., operating independently from local electrical grids. This independence not only alleviates pressure on public power systems but also mitigates increases in local electricity prices, offering a more stable energy solution for businesses.

The promise of rapid deployment is another significant advantage of this model. GridFree emphasizes that infrastructure can be operational within 24 months from lease signing, a transformative acceleration compared to traditional grid-connected developments. This rapid turnaround allows hyperscalers and cloud providers to enhance capacity without burdening local power infrastructures.

The Role of Newmark and Goldman Sachs

To power this initiative, GridFree AI has enlisted the expertise of Newmark, a prominent real estate firm, as the exclusive advisor and marketer for South Dallas One. Goldman Sachs Group has stepped in as a co-lead for the financing efforts, backing this exciting venture that aims to redefine power resilience in data centers.

AI Infrastructure’s Increasing Demands

As technology evolves, so too does the infrastructure needed to sustain it. Current efforts to meet the energy challenges facing data centers include the use of more efficient chipsets and advancements in battery energy storage. Additionally, various “behind-the-meter” strategies—where utilities are supplemented by alternative energy sources—are emerging as solutions.

GridFree AI’s infrastructure reflects a commitment to alleviating pressures on existing public utility systems while enabling faster deployment timelines. The company’s innovative approach includes industrial-grade chilled water cooling systems, essential for supporting extensive AI compute workloads without straining local water supplies.

Texas: The Next Data Center Frontier

Texas is firmly establishing itself as a prominent hub for data center development, illustrated by massive undertakings like the $500 billion Stargate project, which encompasses three campuses across the state. Data centers in Texas are becoming the go-to for developers, with the state accounting for 15% of all data center connectivity in the U.S. and projected to see significant growth in the coming years.

At the recent Data Center World Power conference in San Antonio, industry analysts highlighted Texas’s advantageous position when it comes to power availability, build speed, and community impacts. VoltaGrid’s Dave Bell pointed out that Texas is expected to handle between 20 and 40 GW of additional data center load by 2035, contrasting sharply with estimates for Virginia.

Meeting the Future Resilience Target

As the push for energy resilience heightens, GridFree AI emerges as a beacon of innovation. Its infrastructure model promises to deliver high-speed, reliable power, addressing the increasing demands for data center development while maintaining a focus on sustainable energy practices. Adam Doneger from Newmark recognizes that the demand for quick, reliable infrastructure is growing, making South Dallas One a compelling opportunity within the AI and data center market.

Moving forward, GridFree AI looks to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the industry while ensuring that energy resilience remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved. With South Dallas One at the forefront of this movement, the company is not only championing the needs of the present but also paving the way for a sustainable energy future in data center development.