Bitcoin mining firm CleanSpark has taken a significant step towards expanding its presence in artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) by purchasing land in Texas. This move aligns with a broader trend of companies shifting their focus from purely cryptocurrency mining to leveraging their infrastructure for other technological advancements.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CleanSpark announced it has finalized a deal to acquire 447 acres in Brazoria County, Texas. The company plans to develop a 300-megawatt (MW) data center on this site, with the potential to expand its capacity to 600 MW. This new facility, along with another in the region, is aimed at supporting AI and HPC operations.
CleanSpark's chairman and CEO, Matt Schultz, highlighted the growing need for scalable, AI-focused computing solutions. He noted that securing access to large-scale power resources in strategically beneficial locations is becoming increasingly challenging.
This expansion represents CleanSpark's continued diversification beyond Bitcoin mining, a path several other industry players have also taken due to the rising complexity of mining. Companies like MARA Holdings, Core Scientific, Hut 8, Riot Platforms, and TeraWulf have similarly started reallocating their resources towards AI and HPC.
Other mining firms are exploring innovative ways to reduce operational costs, such as Canadian Bitcoin miner Canaan, which recently embarked on a proof-of-concept initiative to utilize its computational heat for local greenhouses.
CleanSpark anticipates that the acquisition deal will be finalized by the first quarter of 2026.
This strategic pivot towards AI and HPC comes in the wake of increased costs and operational challenges in Bitcoin mining. According to CoinWarz, Bitcoin's mining difficulty reached approximately 156 trillion in November 2025 and was reported at 146 trillion at the time of this publication.
The industry is seeing a shift as companies adapt to these new challenges, exploring various strategies to remain competitive and sustainable in the evolving tech landscape.