Meta unveils plans for $1.5bn AI data centre in Texas

Photo: Askar via AdobeStock

The facility, which will be the company’s 29th data center and third in Texas, is designed to scale to 1GW to support growing AI workloads.

Meta said the initial phase of the project represents an investment of more than $1.5 billion and will contribute to the local economy, with approximately 1,800 construction jobs expected at peak and around 100 operational positions.

The data center, set to go online in 2028, will include flexible infrastructure to support both current-generation servers and future AI hardware.

Meta said the building will be designed for efficiency and sustainability, targeting LEED Gold certification. Electricity use will be matched with 100% clean and renewable energy, and the company has funded new grid infrastructure, including transmission lines and substations, in partnership with El Paso Electric.

Water conservation measures will include a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system that will use no water for most of the year.

Meta also plans to restore 200% of the water consumed at the facility to local watersheds and is partnering with local organizations to support community water projects.

The company has invested over $10 billion in the state and employs more than 2,500 people across data centers, offices, and research facilities.