Oracle's New Mexico Data Center Delayed by Pipeline Permitting Snag

Oracle's massive data center project in New Mexico has hit a roadblock due to a delayed natural gas pipeline. The Green Chile Project, a 17-mile pipeline extension operated by Energy Transfer LP, was meant to supply up to 400 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to the facility.

The pipeline's new target in-service date is now February 1, 2027, pushed back from an August 15, 2026 deadline. Oracle's Project Jupiter data center, which will use Bloom Energy fuel cells, remains on schedule despite the delay.

The project aims to create 4,000 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent positions once operational, with a $50 million commitment to local water system improvements. However, the permitting issues raise concerns about the reliability of the power supply and the project's overall timeline.