SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Cameron County continues to expand as the company proposes a $24 billion data center and natural gas power plant on approximately 444 acres near the Port of Brownsville.
By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.
STARBASE— SpaceX is planning a $24 billion development near the Port of Brownsville that would include a natural gas-fired power plant and a large computing facility, according to a public notice outlining a proposed economic development agreement with the city of Starbase.
The project, which would be built in phases, represents one of the largest proposed private investments in the Rio Grande Valley.
Starbase city commissioners are scheduled to consider a property tax abatement and related economic development agreement during a public meeting Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Starbase City Hall.
According to the public notice, SpaceX would construct, own and operate the facilities. The estimated $24 billion investment covers the project’s initial phases, with additional expansion possible in the future.
The development would be located on approximately 444 acres near the Port of Brownsville, on property previously within Brownsville’s city limits.
In August, Brownsville commissioners approved removing the property from the city’s boundaries as part of an arrangement involving SpaceX and proposed investments in local water infrastructure. The land was subsequently incorporated into Starbase.
The Brownsville agreement also included a separate commitment that could provide up to $220 million from SpaceX for water and wastewater improvements.
The planned computing facility comes as demand for large-scale data processing continues to grow. Such facilities require substantial amounts of electricity to operate servers and cooling equipment.
SpaceX’s proposed natural gas power plant could allow the company to generate electricity for its computing operations rather than relying entirely on the state’s power grid.
The development has also drawn attention because of concerns surrounding the environmental impact of large data centers, including their electricity and water requirements.
Brownsville recently approved a temporary moratorium on data center applications within its jurisdiction.
The SpaceX property, however, is now within Starbase city limits.
The proposed project adds to SpaceX’s growing industrial presence in Cameron County, where the company operates its Starship launch and manufacturing facilities.
Details about the number of jobs the project could create, its construction timeline and the terms of the requested tax abatement have not been publicly established.
The Dec. 9 meeting will provide an opportunity for Starbase commissioners to consider the proposed incentives and for members of the public to comment.
No final approval of the tax abatement has been announced.