Engine No. 1 & Crusoe Launch Joint Venture for Powered Data Centers
Engine No. 1 and Crusoe have announced a strategic joint venture to develop large-scale, powered data center real estate solutions tailored to the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. This initiative aims to accelerate time-to-market for AI infrastructure while ensuring sustainable and efficient power solutions. The joint venture will be co-owned by both companies and will focus on developing expansive data center campuses across the United States to support AI compute capabilities.
The venture will leverage Engine No. 1’s power partnership, announced in January, which is projected to supply 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of power. By combining Crusoe’s expertise in AI-optimized data center design and operation with Engine No. 1’s investment focus on infrastructure and energy solutions, the companies aim to create a scalable and efficient network of AI computing centers.
Leveraging Industry Expertise for AI Infrastructure
Crusoe, recognized as the world’s first vertically integrated AI infrastructure provider, specializes in designing, constructing, and managing AI-optimized data centers. A prime example of its capabilities is the 998,000-square-foot AI data center at the Lancium Clean Campus in Abilene, Texas. This facility underscores Crusoe’s commitment to cutting-edge, energy-efficient computing infrastructure.
Engine No. 1, an investment firm dedicated to advancing U.S. reindustrialization, collaborates with energy providers and infrastructure firms to develop and manage co-located data centers and power plants. The partnership between the two companies is rooted in a shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the pragmatic deployment of large-scale AI infrastructure.
Both companies prioritize a forward-thinking approach to meeting the energy demands of AI-driven data centers. A key component of their development strategy is the integration of post-combustion carbon capture systems, ensuring that their facilities align with sustainability goals while maintaining high-performance computing standards.
Strategic Vision and Leadership Perspective
Chris James, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Engine No. 1, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“This strategic collaboration combines Crusoe’s expertise in purpose-built data centers with Engine No. 1’s ability to provide power to sites supporting AI-led industrialization in the U.S. Speed-to-market is a critical factor in AI development, and our joint capabilities will enable us to meet the growing demand efficiently.”
Chase Lochmiller, CEO and Co-founder of Crusoe, emphasized the economic and industrial impact of the venture:
“Crusoe and Engine No. 1 share a commitment to fostering innovation and driving the reindustrialization of the United States. Our accelerated AI data center development will contribute to economic growth, drive industry advancements, and create thousands of high-quality manufacturing and construction jobs.”
Meeting the Rising Demand for AI Compute Power
The rapid growth of AI applications has led to an unprecedented demand for computing power and efficient data center infrastructure. As businesses and research institutions increasingly rely on AI-driven solutions, the need for scalable and sustainable AI infrastructure has never been greater. The joint venture between Engine No. 1 and Crusoe aims to address these challenges by developing AI data centers that prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and rapid deployment.
One of the key differentiators of this partnership is its holistic approach to integrating energy and data center infrastructure. By co-locating data centers with power generation facilities, the venture seeks to optimize energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and minimize environmental impact. This model not only accelerates deployment but also ensures a more resilient and scalable AI ecosystem.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
As AI computing demands continue to rise, energy consumption becomes a crucial consideration. Engine No. 1 and Crusoe recognize the need for responsible energy use and are committed to implementing sustainable energy solutions. By incorporating renewable energy sources and carbon capture technologies, the joint venture aims to set new benchmarks for environmentally responsible AI infrastructure.
The partnership also underscores the broader trend of integrating AI with industrial infrastructure development. As industries increasingly rely on AI for automation, data analysis, and optimization, the need for specialized computing environments grows. Engine No. 1 and Crusoe’s initiative aligns with this evolution, offering a robust solution that bridges the gap between AI innovation and sustainable energy use.
