Why is Meta Building an AI Data Centre In Texas?

Meta has initiated construction on its latest data centre in El Paso, Texas, an AI-optimised facility designed to eventually scale to 1GW.

This next-generation site is set to power the company’s growing AI workloads and is a component in its long-term strategy to develop advanced AI.

The facility is Meta’s 29th worldwide and its third in Texas, reinforcing its investment in a key region for digital infrastructure growth.

The project is being developed with The Borderplex Alliance, the area's economic development agency.

The initial phase represents an investment of over US$1.5bn, supporting approximately 1,800 construction jobs at its peak and leading to the creation of around 100 permanent operational roles.

Rachel Peterson, Vice President of Data Centers at Meta, detailed the company’s strategy. “At Meta, we’re focused on building AI compute infrastructure that will fuel the future of personal superintelligence,” Rachel says.

She adds: “To do this, we’re driving innovation, agility and flexibility across our data centre strategy – from building rapidly deployed 'tent' structures at various data centre sites to building complex, multi-gigawatt sites like Hyperion in Richland Parish, Louisiana. I’m excited to announce more momentum as we break ground on our next AI-optimised data centre in El Paso, Texas.”

AI infrastructure for advanced workloads

The El Paso data centre will function as a key hub for Meta’s AI research and deployment activities.

It has been designed to support a diverse range of computing configurations, balancing the performance requirements of current AI workloads with the flexibility needed for future systems. This adaptability is intended to ensure Meta's infrastructure can evolve with its AI models and tools.

“This will be a powerhouse data centre optimised to support our growing AI workloads and will be essential to bringing our technologies to life. An example of industry-leading infrastructure, this data centre can scale to 1GW and represents a significant step forward as we invest in our AI work,” Meta’s announcement explained.

Meta's data centres provide the foundation for its products and technologies including live translation and AI-powered business tools.

Community integration and economic growth

The choice of El Paso is based on its strong infrastructure, skilled workforce and strategic location.

The project could bring long-term economic benefits through direct job creation and local investment

. Meta plans to extend its Community Accelerator programme to El Paso helping small businesses develop digital skills and adopt AI tools to foster growth.

The company will also introduce its Community Action Grants in the area next year to support local projects.

This investment expands Meta's existing presence in Texas where it has invested over US$10bn and employs more than 2,500 full-time staff across its data centres offices and research facilities.

“Meta has been proud to call Texas home for the past decade,” Rachel says.

She adds: “Our announcement with El Paso carries this investment forward – and marks an important milestone in our AI ambitions. This moment would not be possible without the incredible support from our community partners – especially State of Texas, The Borderplex Alliance, the City of El Paso, El Paso County, El Paso Electric and El Paso Water.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott commented on the development. “Texas is the epicentre of innovation,” says Gregg.

He adds: “Meta’s US$1.5bn investment in El Paso further cements our great state as the nation’s leader in artificial intelligence and innovation while creating new, good-paying jobs for Texans.”

Sustainable design and energy efficiency

Sustainability is a central aspect of the El Paso project. The data centre is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, a standard for energy efficiency renewable power use water conservation and waste reduction.

A closed-loop liquid-cooling system will be used which requires 0 water for most of the year. In line with its goal to become water positive by 2030, Meta will restore 200% of the water consumed by the facility to local watersheds through partnerships with DigDeep and the Texas Water Action Collaborative.

The El Paso site will also match its electricity consumption with 100% renewable energy.

Through an agreement with El Paso Electric, Meta has financed new grid infrastructure including substations and transmission lines to support the facility.

“We are excited to bring our next-generation, AI-optimised data centre to El Paso, right in the heart of the Borderplex region that embodies innovation, talent and opportunity," says Brad Davis, Director, Data Center Community & Economic Development at Meta.

He adds: "We chose El Paso as the home for our next data centre for a variety of reasons, including strong talent, robust energy resources and great community partners. We’re grateful for the partnership across the community to date and we are excited to continue our partnership with El Paso for years to come."