Core Scientific has unveiled a strategic plan to expand its Muskogee, Oklahoma campus, targeting a gross power capacity of approximately 1.5 gigawatts. This expansion will include nearly 1 gigawatt of leasable infrastructure, catering specifically to high-density colocation needs.
As part of this initiative, the company is poised to acquire Polaris DS LLC, which adds 440 megawatts of contracted power sourced from Oklahoma Gas & Electric. The acquisition is on track to finalize in the third quarter of 2026, leveraging existing liquidity and subject to standard regulatory conditions.
Core Scientific expects this transaction to expedite its growth timeline. They are currently constructing an 82.5 megawatt facility, with plans for completion by the fourth quarter of 2027. In addition to this, the company is conducting grid expansion studies and exploring behind-the-meter solutions, confident in their capacity for future growth supported by 250 acres of secured land.
Following the announcement of its expansion plans, shares for Core Scientific saw a notable rise, trading near $25 shortly after the market opened on Wednesday.
#Why Is the AI Data Center Market Rapidly Expanding?
The market for AI data centers is witnessing unprecedented growth driven by the rising demand for generative AI, machine learning, and high-performance computational resources. An industry evaluation by Grand View Research predicts the global AI data center market to surge from an estimated value of around $147 billion in 2025 to an estimated $810 billion by 2033, translating to a compound annual growth rate exceeding 24%.
Organizations that can provide large-scale power solutions in a matter of quarters are positioned to gain a significant competitive advantage in the fast-evolving AI data center landscape. Core Scientific believes its strategy—integrating acquisitions, current grid connections, and behind-the-meter generation—will facilitate rapid scaling for their operations. The expansion in Muskogee serves as a continuation of this strategy, following a similar 1.5-gigawatt initiative currently taking shape in Pecos, Texas.
Core Scientific’s chief executive reinforces that this Muskogee plan exemplifies a replicable business model that harmonizes acquisition efforts with development and energy strategies, propelling gigawatt-scale growth. The governor of Oklahoma recognized the significance of supportive legislation as a catalyst for attracting developments like Core Scientific’s expansion, emphasizing the potential when streamlined policies and robust partnerships converge.