Texas Data Centers: Why Gas Power Still Rules
- A proposed Sandow Lakes Energy plant in Texas is generating both support and opposition.
- Sandow Lakes Energy stated that noise levels at the property line would resemble those of a "quiet library." The company also presented letters from local residents backing the...
- Nathan Bland, president of the municipal development district in Rockdale, about 20 miles from the site, affirmed the critical need for responsible energy production.While Sandow claims the plant...
The proposed Sandow Lakes Energy plant in Texas is igniting both excitement and concern. While promising economic growth and a boost to grid reliability, this new facility, primarily serving private customers like crypto mines, has neighbors worried about environmental impact and noise. The plant’s location near Blue, Texas, sparks debate as residents question the placement and potential consequences.Local residents are pressing Texas regulators regarding the project’s impact. A permit review reveals the majority of the 1,200 MW capacity will go to private customers, despite initial claims. News Directory 3 is closely following the project’s progress. Discover what’s next as regulators review public comments and make their final decision.
Sandow Lakes Energy Plant Sparks Debate in Texas
Updated June 05, 2025
A proposed Sandow Lakes Energy plant in Texas is generating both support and opposition. The company touts the project’s potential too boost the local tax base, create jobs, and enhance grid reliability.however, nearby residents are expressing worries about potential noise and environmental consequences of this new energy production facility.
Sandow Lakes Energy stated that noise levels at the property line would resemble those of a “quiet library.” The company also presented letters from local residents backing the project, emphasizing the need for reliable and efficient energy to support regional growth.
Nathan Bland, president of the municipal development district in Rockdale, about 20 miles from the site, affirmed the critical need for responsible energy production.While Sandow claims the plant will connect to the Texas grid, permitting documents indicate that only a fraction of its 1,200 MW capacity will be available to the public grid, and only temporarily. the majority of the power will go to private customers.
According to a permit review by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, electricity sales to the public will continue until private customer projects are ready to receive the generated power. Sandow has not disclosed the identities of these private customers. However, the plant is part of a larger development that already hosts energy-intensive operations, including Riot Platforms, a major cryptocurrency mine. Riot’s Rockdale complex is designed to use up to 700 MW, and the company recently acquired a neighboring 125 MW mine. another Bitcoin mining operation, Bitmain, has a 560 MW capacity with plans for further expansion.
During a public meeting in Blue, residents voiced their concerns to Texas regulators and Sandow representatives. David Brown, owner of a local wildlife sanctuary, pointed out that the plant’s location on the edge of Sandow’s 33,000-acre property places it near homes in Blue, rather than closer to the industrial complex in Rockdale.
“You don’t want to put it up into the middle of your property where you could deal with the negative consequences,” Brown saeid.”So it looks to me like you are wanting to make money, in the process of which you want to strew grief in your path and make us bear the environmental costs of your profit.”
What’s next
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will continue to review public comments and Sandow’s permit applications before making a final decision on the Sandow Lakes Energy plant.