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National  + Digital Infrastructure  | 
Data Center

7-GW Project Aims to Put New Mexico on AI Infrastructure Map

Texas-based New Era Energy & Digital, Inc., a developer and operator of digital infrastructure and integrated power assets, has entered into a land option purchase agreement for approximately 3,500 acres in Lea County, NM for the development of a large-scale AI data center campus.  

The project would transform the site into a multi-gigawatt AI hub, featuring more than 2 gigawatts of natural gas generation and a planned 5+-GW nuclear installation, positioning New Mexico as a key participant in the global AI infrastructure ecosystem. Initial power delivery is expected in 2028. 

The project marks a major milestone for New Era as its first wholly owned project, independent from the Texas Critical Data Centers joint venture. In addition to powering its own facilities, New Era plans to offer powered shell buildings and powered land lease options for AI-focused enterprises. 

E. Will Gray II, CEO of New Era, said, “Lea County’s deep energy heritage provides a foundation of skilled talent that directly supports our next-generation digital infrastructure vision. We believe this development will not only drive economic growth and high-tech job creation but also leverage New Mexico’s natural resources to power the future of AI innovation.” 

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About Paul Bubny

Paul Bubny serves as Senior Content Director for Connect Commercial Real Estate, a role to which he brings 16-plus years’ experience covering the commercial real estate industry and 30-plus years in business-to-business journalism. In this capacity, he oversees daily operations while also reporting on both local/regional markets and national trends, covering individual transactions across all property types, as well as delving into broader subject matter. He produces 7-10 daily news stories per day and works with the Connect team and clients to develop longer-form content, ranging from Q&As to thought-leadership pieces. Prior to joining Connect, Paul was Managing Editor for both Real Estate Forum and GlobeSt.com at American Lawyer Media, where he oversaw operations at both publications while also producing daily news and feature-length articles. His tenure in B2B publishing stretches back into the print era, and he has served as Editor in Chief on four national trade publications. Since 1999, Paul has volunteered as the newsletter editor of passenger rail advocacy groups (one national, one local).

  • ◦Sale/Acquisition
  • ◦Development
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