Spacex Targets 13 GW of AI Data Center Capacity by 2027

WHO:

Techmeme - The headline attributes the analysis to SemiAnalysis and lists Reyk Knuhtsen, Jeremie Eliahou Ontiveros, and Dylan Patel as authors.

SemiAnalysis - SpaceX is expanding data-center capacity; the article describes Elon Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, as involved in construction and equipment supply.

SemiAnalysis - The article identifies xAI, Anthropic, Google, TVA, FTAI, Solaris, and Crusoe in connection with SpaceX’s data-center, power, or supply-chain activity.

WHAT:

Techmeme - The headline says SpaceX revised its 2027 data-center capacity target to approximately 13 GW, describing it as a record and roughly equivalent to Google’s entire capacity from 1999-2026.

SemiAnalysis - SpaceX’s stated target rose from 10 GW to approximately 13 GW for 2027; SemiAnalysis says 3.6 GW was already under construction across multiple sites and that it had identified more than 9 GW of potential capacity.

SemiAnalysis - The article says building 13 GW in 1.5 years would match Google’s data-center capacity accumulated from 1999-2026.

SemiAnalysis - Colossus 2’s battery energy storage system (BESS) deployment was reported at 5.9 GWh, with additional capacity planned. The article says SpaceX tracked more than 8 GW of likely behind-the-meter power.

SemiAnalysis - SpaceX’s Colossus 1 retrofit delivered 150 MW in 122 days; Colossus 2 delivered 210 MW in 91 days. The article estimates the “Gun Range” site will take about four months and “MiniHard” about five months to build.

SemiAnalysis - SpaceX is building two data centers at Starbase, Texas. SemiAnalysis says the site could exceed 1 GW and may use more than 1 GW of APRs.

SemiAnalysis - TVA says Macrohard (700 MW) and MiniHard (450 MW) requested grid service. SpaceX is building a 500-kV gas-insulated substation, with construction scheduled to finish December 31, 2026.

SemiAnalysis - The article describes TeraFab as a proposed 100-million-square-foot, 10-GW chip-fab project in Texas that may also include a data center, potentially available for third-party rental.

WHERE:

SemiAnalysis - Sites discussed include Colossus 1 and Colossus 2 in the Memphis area, a Mississippi site called “Gun Range,” Starbase in Texas, and TeraFab in Texas.

WHEN:

SemiAnalysis - The target is for 2027; the article says Southaven’s permitted generation is scheduled to fall to 1.24 GW by July 2027.

WHY:

SemiAnalysis - The article says rapid construction is supported by experienced engineering labor, modular mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment, and Tesla’s potential manufacturing role.

HOW:

SemiAnalysis - SpaceX is using rapid construction, repurposed rocket-industry campuses, behind-the-meter generation, grid connections, turbines, and BESS. The article estimates approximately 3,000 workers per GW and a possible data-center PUE of 1.10-1.15.

(UPDATED November 4, 2026 13:08 UTC)

SpaceX raised its 2027 data-center capacity target from 10 gigawatts to roughly 13. Already, 3.6 gigawatts are under construction, with sites spanning Texas and Tennessee. The buildout relies on rapid construction, battery storage, and power generation.