Core Scientific to build 1.5GW AI data center

Core Scientific announced plans to transform its Texas facility into a large-scale artificial intelligence data center campus. The project, unveiled in April 2026, targets up to 1.5 gigawatts of power capacity and reflects the ongoing shift from Bitcoin mining to computing infrastructure.

Core Scientific launches AI data center project

The company is developing its Pecos, Texas site into a high-density colocation hub for AI workloads.

Key project details include:

• total capacity of up to 1.5 GW
• around 1 GW available for leasing
• 300 MW repurposed from mining
• initial capacity expected in early 2027

The first data hall has completed foundational work and is entering the construction phase.

Demand for compute power is rising

The move reflects changing economics in Bitcoin mining. Declining margins are pushing companies to diversify.

Key drivers include:

• rising demand for AI compute
• increased mining competition
• higher energy costs
• expansion of cloud infrastructure

Mining companies already control critical resources. These include power access, infrastructure, and operational expertise.

This positions them well for data center development.

Miners will accelerate shift to data centers

The shift may accelerate the transformation of the mining sector. Companies are evolving into infrastructure providers.

Key implications:

• growth of AI data center capacity
• reduced reliance on mining revenue
• increased competition for energy
• capital reallocation across sectors

Other industry players are following similar strategies:

• MARA Holdings expanding into AI
• Hut 8 Corp. building data centers
• TeraWulf developing HPC infrastructure

Market reduces dependence on Bitcoin

Core Scientific is scaling its infrastructure aggressively. The company acquired over 200 acres of land to support expansion.

It is also securing funding:

• $3.3 billion through secured notes
• $1 billion credit facility

The industry is shifting toward a hybrid model. Mining is becoming part of a broader computing ecosystem.

Companies are leveraging existing assets to support AI and high-performance workloads.

As a result, dependence on Bitcoin price is gradually decreasing. The future of the sector lies in digital infrastructure and computing services.

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