SpaceX is seeking permits for natural gas generation equipment to build an artificial intelligence (AI) computing complex worth $24 billion at Starbase, Texas. The generation equipment would use 35 natural gas turbines, and the initial generation capacity is reported to total 748 megawatts.

On Nov. 11 (local time), IT outlet TechRadar reported that SpaceX applied to Texas environmental authorities for permits related to air pollutant emissions to build a natural gas power generation facility. The facility is set to be built at Starbase, where SpaceX has its rocket launch site. The company is pursuing a plan to develop and operate the AI computing facility and the power generation equipment itself.

Securing its own power plant would allow it to source the electricity it needs without relying entirely on the Texas power grid. It could also reduce delays that may occur while waiting for a grid connection to secure the power capacity needed for a large-scale computing facility.

Still, 748 MW is the initial-stage generation capacity stated in the application materials. According to a separate report, the initial 35 turbines are planned to be replaced later with 8 large turbines, and the generation capacity after replacement was given as about 708 MW. The permits and business plan do not yet mean construction approval has been finalised.

The Starbase city council is set to review a development agreement and a property tax abatement plan on Dec. 9, 2026. SpaceX is also pushing natural gas infrastructure to transport fuel needed for the Starship rocket programme in Texas and Florida.

The power procurement plan is not limited to Starbase. Bloomberg reported that SpaceX is also considering building a gas power plant near Houston to supply electricity to a planned AI semiconductor complex dubbed a "Terrafab" to be developed with Tesla.

Political variables could emerge for the project. In the recent U.S. midterm elections, Democrat Gina Hinojosa (지나 히노호사) defeated Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott (그레그 애벗). During the campaign, Hinojosa pledged to limit new construction, saying data centres burden household electricity bills and power and water supplies.

Hinojosa said, "If I become governor, I will ban all approvals for data centre construction until a law passes to protect Texans from data centres." She also laid out a plan to eliminate tax benefits for data centre construction and mandate disclosure of electricity and water use. Since SpaceX is reported to have requested financial support such as tax benefits from local authorities, a policy shift after Hinojosa takes office in January 2027 could affect the project.

Local opposition surrounding large computing facilities is also growing. According to regulatory information firm RegLayer, at least 47 large data centre construction projects in the United States have faced permit delays or organised opposition from residents in 2026. Higher electricity bills, water use and the impact of large-scale infrastructure on local communities are key issues.

SpaceX's own power generation equipment could ease its power procurement problems, but emissions generated during power production and environmental permitting requirements could become subject to additional review.