Project Overview
Mortenson has supported the development of Lancium’s data center campus in Abilene, Texas since 2022, delivering critical utility infrastructure to support large-scale data center growth. The work has included transmission, interconnection, and substation construction ranging from a 200 MW, 138 kV facility to a 1 GW, 345 kV greenfield substation, enabling accelerated energization while overcoming procurement and commissioning challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Built the original 200MW, 138 kV Abilene substation beginning in May 2022 and expanded it in 2024 by relocating equipment and adding a third bay to support data center growth.
- Constructed a 300-foot slack span connection to the Abilene NW transmission line and delivered transmission line and interconnection expansion work in coordination with AEP.
- Coordinated multiple phased energizations and commissioning efforts while transitioning the substation from de-energized to energized service.
- Constructed a 12.5-acre, 1 GW, 345 kV greenfield substation beginning of Q2 2025.
- Achieved first transformer energization by December 19, 2025, only nine months after construction start.
- Mitigated supply chain and procurement risks with temporary transformers to maintain schedule commitments, energized all five main power transformers less than one year after construction began, and used a transfer bus and in-service spare transformer to minimize downtime and improve operational flexibility.
- Estimated Completion Date
October 2026
- Delivery Method
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Engineer, Procure, and Construct
- Additional Project Facts
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Completion Date / Estimated Completion Date:
Phase 1: 2022–2024
Phase 2: 2025-2026
Customer: Lancium
Development includes a large-scale AI data center complex.
Initial infrastructure included a 200MW, 138 kV substation.
Expansion included a 12.5-acre, 1 GW, 345 kV greenfield substation.
Constructed associated transmission and interconnection infrastructure.
Five main power transformers energized by March 10, 2026.
Building the Power Infrastructure for an AI Data Center Campus
Lancium is developing one of the world’s largest data center complexes in Abilene, Texas, requiring significant power delivery infrastructure to support long-term campus growth. Since May 2022, Mortenson has delivered multiple phases utility and substation work designed to provide reliable, scalable electrical capacity for the expanding development.
The initial phase included construction of the Abilene 200 MW, 138 kV substation. The team also installed a 300-foot slack-span connection to the Abilene Northwest transmission line. In addition, Mortenson constructed associated transmission infrastructure and interconnection expansions for AEP to support the connection of the project substation.
Expanding Capacity to Support Data Center Growth
As demand for power increased, Mortenson completed the Abilene Expansion project during the second half of 2024. The project involved relocating a main power transformer and existing equipment from a nearby substation to create a third bay within the Abilene station.
This expansion was completed while maintaining focus on future campus growth and operational continuity for the developing data center site.
Managing Complex Energization and Commissioning Activities
A key challenge during the expansion involved coordinating multiple "check-out" energizations as various portions of the data center and electrical infrastructure were commissioned.
To support these transitions, the project team developed detailed methods of procedure, coordinated stakeholders across organizations, and maintained clear operational communication. These efforts allowed the substation to safely transition from a de-energized facility into an energized and operational asset while supporting ongoing construction activities.
Delivering a 1 GW Greenfield Substation on an Accelerated Schedule
Phase 2 significantly expanded the scale of the project with construction of a 12.5-acre, 1 GW, 345 kV greenfield substation. Civil construction began in the second quarter of 2025.
Despite the project's size and complexity, the team achieved first transformer energization on December 19, 2025, only nine months after construction began. This milestone enabled the accelerated energization of initial feeders and supported the data center's aggressive development schedule.
Overcoming Procurement Challenges Through Innovative Planning
To maintain project momentum amid equipment procurement constraints, three of the five main power transformers (MPT) were installed as temporary units. These units provided immediate operational capability while permanent equipment was procured and delivered.
The station was designed with a transfer bus and an in-service spare transformer, allowing load transfers and reducing operational impacts during future transformer replacements. This approach minimizes customer downtime while preserving system reliability.
Using the three temporary transformers, the 1GW substation was fully energized by March 10, 2026. Mortenson is currently swapping the temporary transformers with the permanent equipment and expected to complete all three swap overs by October 2026.