Pacifico Energy / BlackChamber Data Center

Pacifico Energy and BlackChamber Partners are developing a 2,842-acre data center and natural gas power plant campus in the Cedar Creek area of Bastrop County. The project includes a 710-megawatt, on-site natural gas-fired power plant that will supply direct energy to the data center without relying on the local electrical grid.

Key Details

Location: 382 Earl Callahan Road, Cedar Creek (on land owned by Roger Wallace)
Investment: Estimated $2.2 billion to $2.24 billion
Power: 710 MW on-site natural gas generation (grid-independent)
Timeline: Construction could begin late 2026, with a tentative completion goal of 2028
Jobs: Approximately 25 permanent positions

Companies Involved

Pacifico Energy is a Dallas-based firm developing the on-site natural gas generation facility. BlackChamber Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based digital infrastructure asset manager handling the data center development. Anthropic, the Silicon Valley-based AI company, is reportedly in talks to lease and occupy the campus.

Tax Status: No Incentives, Full Contribution

In August 2026, the developers officially withdrew their Chapter 312 tax abatement applications and their JETI application following transparency concerns from local residents. The project is not seeking any tax incentives. It will pay property taxes in full, like any other taxpayer in Bastrop County.

Estimated full property tax revenue to Bastrop County and County Road in excess of $20 million per year, which equates to 30%+ of all current County property tax revenue. This is the first major data center project in the corridor to proceed at full tax rate from day one.

The project has not been canceled. State environmental air permits and local county development reviews are still moving forward.

Water: The Facts

Cooling water — sealed and reused

Sealed like a car’s radiator: filled once, then the same water circulates over and over. It doesn’t keep drawing from the water supply, and it doesn’t evaporate away.

Fire water — well-sourced

On-site reservoir, topped off by a permitted well with a 50 acre-ft/yr cap. Actual use expected to run well below the cap.

We pay for the Aqua extensions

New public water line extending Aqua service, funded and built by the project — providing new access to other residents. Aqua to only provide potable water service.

Water Usage Comparison

This Project

23 Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs)

Projected use ≈ 2,000 gallons per day, against Aqua’s permitted maximum of 6,900 gallons per day of potable water for the entire site.

A Comparable Residential Development

≈ 3,000 LUEs

What a residential development of similar size on the same land could require.

The Cedar Creek Campus at a Glance

Self-Powered

Completely self-reliant for power, no rate impacts to Texas. Does not draw from existing ERCOT supply.

Zero Tax Incentives

312 Tax Abatement and JETI applications withdrawn. Full property taxes from day one.

Minimal Water

Aqua to only provide potable water service. Cooling water is sealed and recirculated.

What We’re Building

A purpose-built data center campus of two buildings, with supporting site infrastructure
An on-site natural-gas power plant, so the campus brings its own power instead of drawing on existing ERCOT supply — no impact on rates
Improved community infrastructure and services

Roads and Access

Straightening Earl Callahan Road, plus new turn lanes at Highway 20, at FM 535 and CR 215, and at the project entrance
A traffic study is underway to size their contribution to TxDOT and County road maintenance
In addition to road upgrades, any potential damage to County roads during construction will be rectified

Land Use

~600 acres developed for the campus
~2,240 acres remain undeveloped
Floodplain unaltered — large setbacks, floodplain buffers, berms, fencing, and enhanced landscaping; stormwater managed on site

Commitments Above the Baseline

Environmental Standards

Air quality: Permitted through TCEQ’s stringent air-quality program, using Best Available Control Technology (BACT) — including SCR and CO catalyst emission controls — with emissions monitoring required under its permits.
Lighting: Dark Sky practices — shielded, downward-directed fixtures, photometric analysis, warm color temperature, and reduced light near property lines and homes.
Noise: Project working with County to set more stringent restrictions than required by County code.
Site Layout: Large setbacks, floodplain buffers, berms, fencing and enhanced landscaping; stormwater managed on site.

Investing in the Community

Approximately 13 acres set aside for community use. Project working with Bastrop County to finalize desired uses.
Hire Local initiative seeking Bastrop County workers and businesses for construction, services, and permanent roles.
Roadway improvements to support construction period, and funding for any required repairs for the long term.
Ongoing commitment to support the community’s priorities.