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Energy Transfer Signs Long-Term Natural Gas Supply Deal with CloudBurst

Energy Transfer (ET.N), a leading U.S. pipeline operator, announced a long-term natural gas supply agreement with CloudBurst Data Centers, a private company based in Denver. This deal focuses on supporting the development of CloudBurst’s data center in Central Texas. Shares of Energy Transfer rose by 2.1% following the announcement.

As power demands from AI continue to rise and grid infrastructure advances slowly, many data centers are seeking more direct energy sources, bypassing traditional utilities. This shift is expected to significantly increase natural gas consumption in the coming years.

Under the agreement, Energy Transfer will supply up to 450,000 million British thermal units (MMBtu) of firm natural gas daily through its Oasis Pipeline to CloudBurst’s campus near San Marcos, Texas. The supply is contingent upon CloudBurst making a final investment decision (FID) with its customer. The natural gas will be used to generate nearly 1.2 gigawatts of electric power for the data center’s operations, with the supply set to continue for at least 10 years starting with Phase 1 of the project.

This agreement marks Energy Transfer’s first commercial arrangement to directly supply natural gas to a data center. RBC Capital Markets analyst Elvira Scotto viewed the deal as a promising step for midstream companies looking to expand into the AI and data center sectors.

CloudBurst is expected to make its FID later this year, with the facility potentially becoming operational by the third quarter of 2026.

Meta in Talks to Reincorporate in Texas or Another State, Exit Delaware

Meta Platforms is reportedly in discussions to move its incorporation from Delaware to Texas or potentially other states, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The company has been in talks with Texas officials about the shift, although the change would not impact Meta’s corporate headquarters, which will remain in Menlo Park, California.

While the discussions began before President Donald Trump’s administration, the potential reincorporation mirrors the decision made by Elon Musk, who moved Tesla and SpaceX’s incorporations to Texas. Texas is often seen as offering a more favorable legal and regulatory environment, particularly in areas like taxation and corporate governance. These benefits could appeal to businesses looking to reduce costs and streamline their operations.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed that the company does not plan to shift its headquarters but declined to comment further on the reincorporation process.

 

Taiwan’s Compal and Inventec Explore U.S. Expansion in Response to Trump Tariffs

Taiwanese electronics manufacturers Compal and Inventec are considering expanding their operations into the United States, with Texas emerging as a potential hub. The move comes in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose significant tariffs on global imports, including a potential 25% tariff on Mexican goods, which has raised concerns among Taiwanese companies reliant on North American markets.

Key Points of the Expansion:

  • U.S. Expansion Strategy: Both Compal and Inventec are evaluating the U.S. as a location for investment, with Texas being a prime candidate due to its power infrastructure, proximity to Mexico, and business-friendly environment.
  • Impact of Tariffs: Trump’s proposed 10% tariffs on global imports, along with a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, have prompted Taiwanese firms to consider relocating or diversifying their production to mitigate cost increases and potential trade disruptions.
  • Compal’s Considerations: Compal’s CEO, Anthony Peter Bonadero, mentioned that Texas is a strong contender due to the state’s growing infrastructure, including Samsung’s investment in the area and its unique power grid system.
  • Inventec’s Response: Inventec, which manufactures AI servers using Nvidia chips, is also evaluating U.S. locations, particularly Texas, in anticipation of potential tariff changes. The company is awaiting clarity on the specific decisions Trump will make once in office.
  • Broader Trend Among Taiwanese Companies: Other Taiwanese companies like Wistron have already begun shifting production outside China to countries like Mexico, Vietnam, and the U.S. to safeguard their supply chains against tariffs and trade uncertainty.