MIDLAND, Texas — New Era Helium, Inc. (Nasdaq: NEHC), an exploration and production platform in the Permian Basin, today announced that the Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC (“TCDC”) joint venture has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with PowerForward Energy Solutions (PFES) to provide 250MW of on-site generation capacity to power its planned AI and high-performance computing campus in Ector County, Texas.
TCDC, the joint venture established between New Era Helium and Sharon AI, Inc. in 2024, is focused on building a 250MW data center to support the rapidly growing demand for AI and cloud GPU infrastructure. Under the terms of the MOU, signed on April 23, 2025, PFES has agreed to manufacture, install, and operate 250MW of generation assets at the TCDC site, with the first 100MW targeted for delivery within 12 months of funding and full deployment expected within 18 months.
PFES is a joint venture between Progen Industries, a U.S.-based manufacturer of natural gas-fired engine-driven generators, and MBS Engineering, Inc. The partners bring more than 70 years of combined experience in delivering resilient, distributed power solutions for critical infrastructure.
Work at the site continues to progress, including the completion of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and ongoing planning for air permitting. NEHC, Sharon AI, and PFES are also jointly evaluating carbon capture technologies. TCDC is in active discussions with potential customers, including parties interested in acquiring powered land for near-term deployment. Near-term milestones include securing natural gas supply agreements and advancing interconnection planning with regional grid partners.
Board members Bill Flores, Phil Kornbluth, and Stan Borowiec have recently stepped down from the Board of Directors. Flores resigned due to a potential conflict with his leadership role at a state regulatory body as New Era Helium advances its data center initiative. Kornbluth and Borowiec, both respected helium industry experts, stepped away as the Company broadens its strategy to include natural gas and digital infrastructure in addition to its core helium business. A search is actively underway to appoint new board members whose experience aligns with New Era Helium’s evolving growth strategy.
E. Will Gray II, CEO of New Era Helium Inc., commented: “With the initial site now identified and due diligence well underway, TCDC is positioned to execute on its planned power strategy for the behind-the-meter data center campus. Concurrently, TCDC is in negotiations to secure offtake from intrastate and interstate natural gas transmission lines located in close proximity to the property. We are excited about what we are building in Ector County and believe that access to low-cost, reliable power is key to attracting top-tier partners. As we expand our strategic focus to include natural gas and data center infrastructure, we are positioning New Era Helium to deliver long-term value across multiple energy verticals.”
Wolf Schubert, CEO of Sharon AI Inc., said: “We are excited to announce our collaboration with PowerForward Energy Solutions, who bring considerable power experience to the project. We believe their ability to deliver substantial capacity over 12-18 months allows us to offer a highly commercial solution to customers looking to deploy as soon as feasible.”
Brian James and John Manning, Founders, PowerForward Energy Solutions, commented: “We are at the forefront of a generational shift in how America produces and consumes power. As AI, cloud, and high-density computing reshape the industrial landscape, the demand for resilient, on-site generation is no longer optional – it is essential. PowerForward is proud to partner with TCDC to deliver the next chapter of power infrastructure: intelligent, integrated, and built for the future.”
