5 Notable Data Center Links, June 13 2026
Texas Outlines Sweeping Data Center Regulation Plan, OpenAI Eyes 10 GW Ohio Project
Each week I curate 5 links from the data center sector that I find particularly interesting, with my commentary on why they merit your attention.
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5 Notable Data Center Links
Texas Gov. Abbott Calls for Sweeping Data Center Regulation - Texas has been the focal point for developers to build gigawatt-scale AI data center campuses. But the political winds are shifting as public opposition to data centers accelerates, even in business-friendly Texas. On Wednesday Gov. Greg Abbott called on the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT grid to take immediate steps to protect the state’s residents and electric infrastructure, while outlining a legislative agenda for data center regulation in 2027. “The rapid scale of data center development requires oversight to ensure everyday Texans are not burdened with the costs of infrastructure driven by data center expansion, and to ensure that as data centers interconnect to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, residential electric bills are not negatively affected,” wrote Abbott, noting reforms in SB6 and ERCOT processes, but adding that “more must be done to protect Texans, which is why I am implementing these directives that include this review.” In addition to measures to protect ratepayers and the grid, Abbott called for legislation to repeal tax exemptions for the industry, and to require data centers to use closed-loop cooling systems and report electricity and water usage data to the PUC. See Abbott’s press release and letter to the PUC and ERCOT for details. This is perhaps the clearest sign yet that public pushback against data centers is altering the business, with restrictions increasingly likely on data center site selection, operations and public disclosure.
OpenAI in Talks to Lease 10 GW Ohio Data Center Campus - Back in March we shared news about a planned 10 GW data center at the Department of Energy’s Portsmouth Site in Piketon, Ohio. This week The Information (subscription) reports that OpenAI is in “advanced negotiations” to lease the campus, possibly with financial backing from NVIDIA. SoftBank’s SB Energy Unit and utility AEP are partnering to build a new power plant and transmission for the campus. If this comes to fruition, this would become the largest data center campus in the world. This project is still a long way from reality, but the size of the opportunity has quickly drawn the focus of leading players in the AI sector.
KKR Launches Helix Digital Infrastructure With $10 Billion in Backing - Back in May we told you about plans by KKR to launch a new platform led by former AWS CEO Adam Selipsky. On Thursday the investment firm made it official, launching Helix Digital Infrastructure to finance and deliver the data centers, power and connectivity that hyperscalers need to keep pace with AI demand. Helix opens with more than $10 billion in committed long-duration capital and a founding group that pairs KKR with the Kuwait Investment Authority, NVIDIA and Vistra. NVIDIA joins as a cornerstone strategic partner and Vistra as the preferred power provider. “Large users of digital infrastructure have an urgent need to reduce complexity and unlock new capacity,” said Selipsky. “Helix combines significant long-term capital with the capabilities and expertise to deliver holistic AI infrastructure solutions with speed and scale.”
Water Efficiency at Amazon’s Data Centers - Water usage by data centers is becoming a flashpoint in community controversies, even as water management at these facilities becomes more sophisticated and efficient. Amazon is making a concerted effort to address public concerns, and this week released a detailed report on the topic. Amazon announced that its global data center operations used just 0.12 liters of water per kilowatt-hour (L/kWh) in 2025, and outlined its efforts to boost water replenishment initiatives and use more reclaimed water. “In 2025, we returned 3 gallons for every 4 we used—and we’ve announced over 50 water projects that are expected to return more than 5.8 billion gallons annually once fully implemented,” the company said. “We use reclaimed water (water that would have otherwise been wasted or unusable) across more buildings than any other company, and we’re helping communities develop reclaimed water programs from the ground up.”
Data Centers in Space (JLL) - The SpaceX IPO is prompting deeper analysis of the genuine potential for data centers in space. An example is this market overview from JLL, which outlines key trends to watch as indicators of market evolution and a meaningful commercial transition to data centers in space. “For investors, operators, and policymakers, the challenge is to balance ambition with resilience, keeping track of innovation while addressing the very real risks in orbital deployment and debris management. Sustained progress will require collaboration across technology, aerospace, and real estate sectors to ensure that space-based infrastructure is not only possible but practical and secure.”
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