Meta begins construction on AI-optimised data centre capable of scaling to 1GW
Meta has commenced construction on its 29th data centre, an AI-optimised facility in El Paso, Texas, that can scale to 1GW of capacity.
The social media giant said the initial phase represents an investment exceeding $1.5 billion and will support approximately 100 operational jobs once completed. Construction will employ over 1,800 workers at peak activity.
The facility marks Meta’s third data centre in Texas, where the company has now invested more than $10 billion across data centres, offices and research operations. Meta employs more than 2,500 full-time employees throughout the state.
Meta designed the El Paso facility to accommodate both current server infrastructure and future generations of AI-enabled hardware, with systems configured to support evolving inference and training requirements.
The company plans to match the data centre’s electricity consumption with 100 per cent clean and renewable energy. Meta has funded new grid infrastructure, including transmission lines and substations, through an agreement with El Paso Electric.
Water stewardship measures include a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system that will consume zero water for most of the year. Meta committed to restoring 200 per cent of the facility’s water consumption to local watersheds, partnering with DigDeep to provide running water to El Paso communities and collaborating with Texas Water Action Collaborative on restoration projects.
The buildings will pursue LEED Gold certification upon completion. Meta is also supporting local small businesses through its Community Accelerator programme, which builds digital skills and demonstrates AI tool applications.
