New Era Helium Initiates Phase 1 of 250MW Data Center Project and Launches Related Website

New Era Helium, Inc. (NASDAQ:NEHC) ("NEH" or the "Company"), an exploration and production (E&P) company sourcing helium from natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin, today provided an update on Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC ("TCDC"), NEH's data center joint venture with Sharon AI, Inc. Established in 2024 TCDC aims to develop a 250MW net-zero AI and high-performance computing (HPC) facility in Ector County, Texas.

Data Center Campus Due Diligence Commenced; Property Closing Expected Within 90 Days

The Company is pleased to confirm that certain closing requirements have commenced on the site. The initial 200-acre acquisition planned by TCDC has expanded to 235 acres by the seller, Grow Odessa. TCDC intends to close on the acquisition within the next 90 days, marking a critical milestone toward construction and commercialization. Along with the closing of the planned data center campus acreage, TCDC is simultaneously advancing other critical components of the company's phase one criteria. These include lit fiber access, finalization of various gas supply agreements, gas transmission line access, specific power plant designs utilizing reciprocating natural gas engines combined with CO₂ carbon capture, along with several additional infrastructure and operational items that the Company expects will support the data center.

Initial 100MW Online Target Set for December 2026

Formal discussions are currently underway with several potential customers as part of the TCDC's go-to-market strategy. The joint venture is targeting the majority of the intended 250 megawatts (MW) of power to be operational by December 2026, with the remaining capacity to come online within six months. The facility's power structure will be anchored by reciprocating natural gas engines ("recips"). TCDC has held extensive conversations with multiple engine providers and intends to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with one of these providers within the near future.

Project Website Now Live

As part of the initiative, TCDC has officially launched its new website at www.texascriticaldatacenters.com, providing information on the project's mission, design strategy, and broader market relevance. The website will serve as a central hub for project updates, and communications.

Strategic Growth in Progress

While the Company is excited to share its near-term development milestones, NEH and its partners are actively evaluating opportunities to acquire additional acreage in proximity to the current site. These strategic efforts aim to support future phases of expansion while maintaining a competitive edge in the emerging AI infrastructure space.

E. Will Gray II, CEO of New Era Helium, Inc. commented: "Our strategic vision has always been centered around enabling critical infrastructure through reliable, scalable energy solutions. With the first phase of the data center development project now underway and a clear path to activation in 2026, we are taking significant steps toward building an energy-integrated platform that supports the future of AI, HPC, and semiconductor innovation. The launch of a dedicated project website reflects this next phase of execution and provides as an information hub about this exciting project."

About New Era Helium, Inc.

New Era Helium, Inc. is an exploration and production company that sources helium produced in association with the production of natural gas reserves in North America. The company currently owns and operates over 137,000 acres in Southeast New Mexico and has over 1.5 billion cubic feet of proved and probable helium reserves. For more information, visit www.newerahelium.com. Follow New Era Helium on LinkedIn and X.

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