Data Centers
Freestone County, Texas
CyrusOne is developing a state-of-the-art, multiphase data center campus in Freestone County, Texas, near the Freestone Energy Center. We are committed to being a responsible community partner — driving local economic opportunity, prioritizing environmental responsibility, and contributing to the region’s long-term prosperity.
We welcome opportunities to support the causes and priorities that matter most to the Freestone County community.
What is a data center and who is CyrusOne?
What is a data center?
A data center is a physical facility that stores and processes data behind everything digital. Every time you use your smartphone, stream a movie, connect with a doctor via telehealth, send emails or rely on emergency services, that information travels through a data center.
Who is CyrusOne?
CyrusOne has been a leading global data center owner, developer and operator for 25 years with over 60 data centers across the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Where is this facility located?
In Freestone County, Texas. We do not have an address yet, but we will be near the Freestone Energy Center, 1366 FM488 Fairfield, TX 75840.
Why Freestone County?
This site was selected as part of a continued partnership with Calpine. This area was well positioned for data center development due to the availability of land and power infrastructure capabilities.
Who is CyrusOne’s tenant?
We cannot disclose details about our customers due to confidentiality agreements.
Will the facility generate its own electricity or rely solely on the local grid?
This multiphase campus will utilize both grid and onsite generation to power our facilities. We have entered into a unique partnership with Calpine to ensure reliable power supplies during times of grid scarcity and help provide our community and all Texans the affordable and reliable energy they deserve.
Will the data center strain the local power grid or cause my electric bill to increase?
No, residential and commercial customers will not see their electric bills increase because of this data center. We selected this site specifically because the grid already has available transmission capacity to serve the data center. CyrusOne will pay for all transmission line upgrades and infrastructure improvements required to power this facility — residents will not pay for these upgrades. We will enter into agreements with local utility providers that ensure we pay for the electricity we use and our fair share of grid costs.
Recent research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that increased electricity demand from large users like data centers actually tends to lower rates for other customers, as fixed infrastructure costs are spread across more users (and higher energy volumes).
Will the data center cause blackouts or brownouts in the area?
No. The site was selected because the grid has available transmission capacity. Should concern of a pending brownout and blackout occur, ERCOT will issue Energy Emergency Alerts, and the local utility provider will respond when required by state law to have us curtail our load and provide the power to the electric grid. We will work in close coordination with Calpine, the local utility provider, and regional grid operators to ensure this facility will not strain the local grid.
Load studies are completed to confirm that the load can be added at this location within the transmission network. The enhanced redundancy of our electrical designs also greatly reduces the probability of impacting the grid during operations.
How are data centers regulated?
CyrusOne data centers are clean facilities that do not generate industrial pollutants or hazardous waste. The primary environmental considerations are: .
- Backup generators that comply with EPA emission standards and are used infrequently for required maintenance testing and emergency situations.
- Closed-loop cooling system uses water with corrosion inhibitors and microbiocides added to maintain system integrity. After application of these treatments, the system remains 99.999% water. All system fluids are managed by licensed contractors in accordance with EPA regulations.
- Sanitary wastewater (restrooms, sinks) handled through code-compliant septic systems.
All operations comply with applicable environmental regulations, including EPA standards and local ordinances.
Will the facility use large amounts of water?
No. This facility is designed to use very little water. Our design uses a closed-loop cooling system, similar to the air conditioning unit in a home. The system is filled once with a water-based solution, which is then recirculated within a sealed system rather than continuously consumed.
Outside of this closed-loop system, water use is limited to everyday needs like restrooms and basic building operations. For comparison, a typical grocery store uses 2,000–3,000 gallons of water per day for things like produce misting, food preparation, and cleaning. A CyrusOne data center uses less water than a grocery store.
We understand water is an important concern for the community. For more than a decade, CyrusOne has treated water as a precious resource, intentionally designing and operating our data centers to minimize consumption. Our facilities are engineered to reduce demand on local water supplies and operate efficiently across a wide range of environments. This means the facility will not require large or ongoing water withdrawals.
Are there risks of groundwater contamination from coolant systems or chemicals used?
No. The closed-loop cooling system is a sealed, self-contained system. The system uses water with small amounts of corrosion inhibitors and microbiocides added to maintain system integrity. After application of these treatments, the system remains 99.999% water. All system fluids are managed in accordance with EPA and TCEQ regulations. Any maintenance requiring fluid disposal is handled in full compliance with environmental regulations.
What emissions will come from diesel backup generators, and how will they be regulated?
This site is currently designed without diesel generators.
Can we expect there to be noise from your data center?
Our cooling systems and emergency generators are designed to meet and exceed noise regulations. We use low-noise fans, sound-attenuated compressor enclosures, sound-attenuated generator enclosures, and critical grade exhaust silencers on our generators.
Backup generators run minimally per year for maintenance and testing purposes, and in rare cases of utility outages. If you have concerns once we're operational, contact us directly at communities@cyrusone.com.
What mitigation measures will be used for noise or light?
Our facilities are designed to meet and exceed all local noise regulations. Our design team includes acoustic consultants who measure expected noise levels at property boundaries to ensure compliance before construction begins.
Noise Mitigation
- Sound-attenuated cooling equipment
- Sound-attenuated emergency backup generator enclosures
- Critical-grade exhaust silencers on emergency backup generators
- Strategic setbacks from property lines
- Acoustic barriers where needed
Light Mitigation
- All exterior lighting directed downward with no uplighting
- Shielded fixtures to prevent light spill beyond property boundaries
- Design minimizes light pollution to preserve dark skies
Will this facility disrupt farmland? How do you acquire land?
No. We selected this site to avoid disrupting agricultural operations. The facility is designed to be a good neighbor with minimal environmental impact. We have climate-neutral initiatives, water conservation measures, and biodiversity protection commitments.
This is not a heavy industrial facility, and we use no uplighting — all lighting is directed downward toward the ground. Our design minimizes light pollution to preserve dark skies.
We work with landowners who choose to sell their properties. All land acquisitions are voluntary transactions with willing sellers.
What is the property tax benefit?
This project represents a capital investment exceeding $500 million across multiple phases. The facility will generate ongoing property tax revenue that directly funds:
- Schools
- Fire departments
- Emergency services
- Essential local services
Tax revenue is only one component of the total economic impact. This 24/7 operation will increase demand for support services throughout the region, trigger local hiring, and provide hundreds of construction jobs throughout the development lifecycle.
How many permanent jobs will the data center create?
Once fully operational, the campus is expected to employ hundreds of permanent, full-time employees, supporting technical operations, facility management, and other essential support roles. Staffing levels scale as individual buildings are constructed and brought online, with positions drawing from a broad range of experience and skillsets, many of which do not require a college degree.
To help prepare local residents for data center careers, CyrusOne has established the CyrusOne Data Center Scholarship with Texas State Technical College, committing $10,000+ annually to support residents/students pursuing data center careers.
To find out more about TSTC's 12-week (part-time) or 6-week (full-time) MEI Data Center Pathway Program, please email communities@cyrusone.com.
Construction will also create hundreds of jobs over the multi-year build period across various trades and skilled labor.
We are committed to prioritizing regional workforce through Freestone County workforce development programs, ensuring local workers and contractors get first opportunity. Once the project is approved, we will host a career fair with our construction and trade partners for the community to ensure local hiring and local networking opportunities.
What does our energy partner Calpine say about this project?
“We are excited to partner with CyrusOne on another critical data center infrastructure project. We know that CyrusOne shares our commitment to be good community partners and stewards of the environment. We also know that they share our commitment to ensuring reliable electric supplies for all Texans.”
Will CyrusOne and County staff hold a large public hearing for public questions and answers?
We are committed to transparency and community engagement. We will speak to the community if the County's established review process includes public hearings where community members can ask questions and provide input.
We have also:
- Provided a comprehensive Community FAQ & microsite addressing key concerns
- Made ourselves available at communities@cyrusone.com for direct questions
- Engaged with local officials and community leaders
- Offered to participate in community forums
- Once approved, host a local Career Fair with fully paid scholarships for data center technician certificates
- Provide sponsorships and donations to various Freestone County organizations and initiatives
We remain committed to answering questions and addressing concerns throughout the review process and welcome opportunities to engage with the community through appropriate forums.
How do I contact you with questions or concerns?
Email us at communities@cyrusone.com. Once operational, we'll have 24/7 staff on site. We're committed to open communication and addressing concerns promptly.
What it means to have CyrusOne in your community
CyrusOne is committed to being a long-term, responsible partner in Freestone County. From construction through operation, we prioritize safety, environmental stewardship, and strong community relationships.
We support initiatives that strengthen the community — including public safety, education, workforce development, and other community priorities. If your organization has a project or funding need that supports Freestone County, we welcome the opportunity to partner with you.
Economic Impact
- Over $500 million capital investment across multiple phases, generating ongoing property tax revenue that directly supports Freestone County schools, fire departments, emergency services, and essential local services
- Hundreds of construction jobs during the multi-year development phase across various trades and skilled labor
- Permanent, full-time careers as buildings come online — supporting technical operations, facility management, and other essential support roles, many of which do not require a college degree
- Committed to prioritizing regional workforce participation through Freestone County workforce development programs
- Once approved, CyrusOne will host a local career fair with construction and trade partners to connect Freestone County residents with employment opportunities
Environmental Stewardship
- Closed-loop cooling technology minimizes water consumption — water use comparable to a standard office building and not dependent on significant withdrawals from local supplies
- All exterior lighting directed downward with shielded fixtures to prevent light spill beyond property boundaries and preserve dark skies — no uplighting
- Sound-attenuated cooling equipment, emergency generator enclosures, and critical-grade exhaust silencers ensure compliance with local noise regulations — verified by acoustic consultants prior to construction
- Sealed, self-contained cooling systems remain 99.999% water after treatment, with all fluids managed by licensed contractors in accordance with EPA and TCEQ regulations
- Data center operations do not generate industrial pollutants, hazardous waste, or significant vibration
Community Partnership
We are committed to transparency and ongoing engagement throughout the review and development process.
- Published a comprehensive Community FAQ and microsite to address key questions
- Engaged with local officials and community leaders in Freestone County
- Made ourselves available for direct questions at communities@cyrusone.com
- Offered to participate in community forums and any public hearings established through the County’s review process
- Committed to hosting a local career fair upon project approval
- Committed to supporting Freestone County organizations and initiatives through sponsorships and donations
Construction Timeline
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Project Title
Project phases: Mobilization, Construction, Completion
Project milestones: Sep 31, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026
Project completion timeframe: Sep 31, 2026
Project key activities: Development, QA, Approval, Deployment
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Sed quam velit, in eum quia temporibus nemo. Aliquam, cupiditate praesentium sunt sint nulla natus quas eaque saepe non consequatur sed deserunt.
Project Title
Project phases: Mobilization, Construction, Completion
Project milestones: Sep 31, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026
Project completion timeframe: Sep 31, 2026
Project key activities: Development, QA, Approval, Deployment
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Sed quam velit, in eum quia temporibus nemo. Aliquam, cupiditate praesentium sunt sint nulla natus quas eaque saepe non consequatur sed deserunt.
Project Title
Project phases: Mobilization, Construction, Completion
Project milestones: Sep 31, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026
Project completion timeframe: Sep 31, 2026
Project key activities: Development, QA, Approval, Deployment
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Sed quam velit, in eum quia temporibus nemo. Aliquam, cupiditate praesentium sunt sint nulla natus quas eaque saepe non consequatur sed deserunt.
Project Title
Project phases: Mobilization, Construction, Completion
Project milestones: Sep 31, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026
Project completion timeframe: Sep 31, 2026
Project key activities: Development, QA, Approval, Deployment
- Construction job creation
- Permanent high-tech career opportunities
- Economic development impact
CYRUSONE DATA CENTER SCHOLARSHIP
We're fully funding 3 scholarships for local Bosque County residents to launch careers in data center operations through Texas State Technical College's certificate program. For more information, email bettye.cole@tstc.edu
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In Bosque County, we held a career fair at the Clifton Civic Center on Tuesday, December 9, 2024, from 5-7 PM. Attendees connected with eight companies hiring for data center construction and operations roles, including CyrusOne, Clune Construction, Walker Engineering, Cherry Coatings, Polk Mechanical, FA Peinado Construction, Lasco, and SteelFab Inc.-1-1.png?width=700&height=389&name=Photos%204up%20on%20dark%20BG%20(2)-1-1.png)