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Meta to invest over $1.5b in AI data center in Texas
Meta will build a new AI-focused data center in El Paso, Texas, with plans for the site to scale up to 1GW of capacity.
Construction is expected to support about 1,800 jobs at its peak and create around 100 operational roles in the initial phase, with the investment for this stage set to exceed US$1.5 billion.
The company said the project is its third data center in Texas and part of its continued investment in AI infrastructure.
Meta said the site will use a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system designed to minimize water use and aims to achieve LEED Gold certification for energy efficiency and sustainability.
The company also outlined plans to support local water restoration projects and match the data center’s electricity use with renewable energy.
Meta has invested over US$10 billion in Texas and employs more than 2,500 people in the state.
🔗 Source: Meta
🧠 Food for thought
Implications, context, and why it matters.
Scaling to 1 gigawatt takes time
- Meta’s plan says the site “can scale to 1GW,” yet phase one carries about $1.5 billion and around 100 operational jobs 1. That means the start is much smaller than the headline.
- The build will roll out in phases over years. Near-term AI compute will be modest, which tempers any edge over rivals.
- El Paso Electric (EPE) pegs demand above 100 megawatts 1. Meta says it paid for new grid gear to connect the site 2. The schedule will hinge on utility work and approvals.
Openings for clean energy builders
- Matching the data center’s load with 100% clean energy 2 could push El Paso Electric (EPE) or Meta to add new renewables. EPE’s testimony assumes two large solar farms 1, which opens chances for solar and battery storage developers.
- Meta says it funded new transmission lines and substations 2.
- The company plans to restore 200% of the water the El Paso Data Center uses to local watersheds 2. Partners include DigDeep and the Texas Water Action Collaborative 2.
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