Meta to spend 1.5 billion dollars on Texas AI data center

Major Expansion for AI Infrastructure

Meta, the parent company of social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced it will invest more than $1.5 billion to build a gigawatt-scale AI-optimized data center in El Paso, Texas[2][3]. This facility, designed to support the company’s growing artificial intelligence workloads, is scheduled to come online in 2028[4].

Facility Details and Goals

• Location: The data center will be constructed on a 1,083-acre plot west of U.S. Highway 54 in Northeast El Paso, land approved for sale by the city in 2023[3].
• Scale: The facility is designed to scale up to 1 gigawatt of capacity, making it among the largest AI data centers in the U.S.[1][4]. This capacity will be dedicated to powering high-end computing chips for AI projects.
• Jobs: The construction phase is expected to create up to 1,800 jobs, with approximately 200 permanent operational positions once complete[2][3].
• Design: The center will support both traditional servers and next-generation AI-enabled hardware, ensuring flexibility as Meta’s technology evolves[2].
• Renewable Energy: The facility is expected to be powered by renewable energy, aligning with Meta’s sustainability goals[5].

Economic Impact and Community Response

Local and state leaders hailed the project as a major win for the region. Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the investment a testament to Texas’s status as a national leader in artificial intelligence and innovation, emphasizing the creation of high-paying jobs for Texans[3]. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson highlighted the project’s role in generating lasting economic benefits and attracting significant employers to the area[3].

Jon Barela, CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, described the announcement as a “game-changer” for El Paso, positioning the city as a hub for next-generation technology industries[3]. Brad Davis, Meta’s Director of Data Center Community & Economic Development, cited El Paso’s talent pool, energy resources, and strong community partnerships as key factors in the company’s site selection[3].

Meta’s Broader AI Strategy

This investment is part of Meta’s broader strategy to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities and infrastructure, keeping pace with competitors in the tech industry[4]. The new El Paso data center will be Meta’s 29th globally and third in Texas, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing AI research and development[2].

Looking Ahead

Meta’s new AI data center in El Paso is expected to not only bolster the company’s technological capabilities but also drive significant economic growth in the region. As the race to build advanced AI infrastructure intensifies, Meta’s latest project signals a major step forward in both corporate and community development[4][5].