SynMax Research:
As previously noted, we have successfully integrated thermal drone imaging into our suite of capabilities. While our satellite assets allow us to observe when construction is physically complete, these thermal images provide the critical next step: confirming whether a site is actually energized and operational based on heat signatures.
We will continue to monitor and update our "Sites of Interest" based on market relevance. However, if you require a more thorough understanding of a specific location, you may now request a Custom Thermal Drone Inspection.
Once a request is submitted via the platform, our team will evaluate the feasibility of the flight. If the location aligns with our broader research goals, we may add it to our standard "Sites of Interest" list. Alternatively, we offer an on-demand option to purchase a dedicated thermal drone visit for $1,000. This fee includes all raw footage along with a comprehensive expert analysis of the findings.
Below are our recent two thermal drone visits along with our comprehensive expert analysis of the findings:
3427131 Red Oak Data Center Campus (DFWIII)
Compass Data Centers, Red Oak Texas (ERCOT)
7, 52 MW units, Total: 364 MW (IIR)
Unit DC04 Startup date: 12/31/2025, Status: Operational (IIR) - Confirmed operational via Thermal
Unit DC05 Startup date: 2/28/2026, Status: Under Construction (IIR) - Operational (1/21/26) via Thermal
Unit DC04 (52 MW) – Thermal drone imagery confirms unit is operational
Vulcan Construction Status: Completed, Vulcan Earliest Online: 6/30/2024,
Vulcan Median Online: 3/28/2025
Unit DC05 (52 MW) – Thermal drone imagery confirms unit is operational
Vulcan Construction Status: Completed, Vulcan Earliest Online: 10/24/2024,
Vulcan Median Online: 7/22/2025
Unit DC06 (52 MW) and Unit DC07 (52 MW) – Drone imagery shows facilities are completed, but not yet operational.
DC06 Startup date: 5/31/2026, Status: Under Construction (IIR)
DC07 Startup date: 8/31/2026, Status: Under Construction (IIR)
68322 Atlas VII, 300 MW Battery
Sunwest, Arizona (CAISO)
EIA Status: Operational, Operating date: 10/2025
Vulcan Status: Completed, Vulcan Earliest Online: 6/9/2025
Thermal drone imagery confirms battery is operational
69055 ATLAS II, 100 MW Solar
Sunwest, Arizona (CAISO)
EIA Status: (V) Under construction, more than 50 percent complete,
Planned Operation: 3/2026
Vulcan Status: Completed, Vulcan Earliest Online: 8/15/2025
Drone imagery confirms panels are completed, and thermal reveals the panels are not yet operational