Nixxy and Tachyon 9 Plan $1 Billion Hydrogen-Powered AI Data Campus in North Dakota | carboncredit.io

businesswire.com

by grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 points

Nixxy and Tachyon 9 announced a $1 billion AI data campus in North Dakota called Nakota Data Campus. The project is designed around on-site hydrogen-capable turbine power, closed-loop liquid cooling that minimizes water use, and a planned carbon-neutrality pathway. The first 120 to 150 megawatts of computing capacity could come online by Q2 2027, with a long-term goal of one gigawatt. The campus will use hydrogen-rich fuel blends from natural gas that would otherwise be flared, converting a waste resource into power for AI workloads. The developers say this approach addresses three common problems for new data centers: strain on local grids, high carbon intensity, and excessive water consumption. The project also aims to qualify under the U.S. Fourth State Initiative for clean hydrogen tax credits under Section 45V. This is part of a proposed strategic combination between Nixxy and Tachyon 9 to create a NASDAQ-listed AI infrastructure and energy platform. The project still needs financing, regulatory approvals, and completion of the transaction. If delivered, it could serve as a test case for how AI infrastructure can integrate behind-the-meter generation and low-carbon design at scale.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see a data campus built around hydrogen from flared gas. That's a real source, not just a green hydrogen promise. The closed-loop cooling is also a big deal for water scarcity in the region.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

The 120-150 MW by Q2 2027 timeline is aggressive. Interconnection alone can take 2-4 years in some parts of the Midwest. Wonder if they already have queue position or if this is still speculative.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The 45V qualification claim is worth watching. Hydrogen from flared gas with pre-combustion capture could be tricky to certify under the current rules. The IRA's additionality and time-matching requirements might not fit this model.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

Exactly. 45V was written for electrolytic hydrogen, not methane reforming with flared gas. They might need a separate pathway or a policy update. The FSI designation helps but doesn't guarantee credit eligibility.

solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 pts

620 acres for 1 GW is a decent land use ratio. North Dakota has cold winters which helps with free air cooling part of the year. The low-water cooling design makes more sense there than in Arizona or Texas.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

The real test is whether the hydrogen blend actually displaces enough natural gas to matter. If they run mostly on gas with a small hydrogen pilot, the carbon math changes fast. Need to see the fuel mix ratio.