Meta Breaks Ground on 1GW El Paso AI Data Centre

Meta has broken ground on its newest AI-focused data centre in El Paso, Texas. Designed to scale up to 1GW of capacity, this next-generation facility will power Meta’s expanding AI workloads and play a crucial role in advancing its mission to build towards superintelligence.

The El Paso data centre marks Meta’s 29th globally and its third in Texas, strengthening the company’s presence in one of the fastest-growing digital infrastructure regions in the United States. Developed in collaboration with The Borderplex Alliance, the economic development agency representing El Paso, the project aims to boost local employment and accelerate the region’s technological growth.

Once complete, the initial phase will represent an investment exceeding US$1.5bn. Construction will support around 1,800 jobs at its peak and create approximately 100 operational positions. Meta confirms these figures apply to the project’s first phase.

“At Meta, we’re focused on building AI compute infrastructure that will fuel the future of personal superintelligence,” says Rachel Peterson, Vice President of Data Centers at Meta, writing on LinkedIn. “To do this, we’re driving innovation, agility and flexibility across our data centre strategy – from building rapidly deployed “tent” structures at various data center sites to building complex, mulit-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.

Building for the future of AI

The El Paso data centre will serve as a central hub for Meta’s expanding AI research and deployment. Built to support a wide range of computing configurations, it balances the performance demands of current workloads with the adaptability required for future systems.

Meta’s design philosophy for its data centres focuses on flexibility and resilience. The El Paso facility will accommodate both traditional server systems and next-generation AI hardware to handle increasing inference and training demands. This adaptability ensures that Meta’s infrastructure can evolve alongside its AI models and tools.

The company states that its data centres are the foundation of its products and technologies, enabling applications such as live translation, smart glasses and AI-driven business tools. The El Paso site extends Meta’s global network of high-performance facilities that enable data processing at scale.

Supporting El Paso’s community and economy

El Paso’s strong infrastructure, skilled workforce and location make it an ideal base for Meta’s expansion. The project is expected to bring substantial long-term economic benefits through direct job creation, small business support and local investment.

Meta’s Community Accelerator programme will work with El Paso-based small businesses to help them develop digital skills and integrate AI tools, including Meta AI, to enhance growth. The company also plans to introduce its Community Action Grants in El Paso next year to support local initiatives.

The investment builds on Meta’s broader footprint in Texas. Across its three data centres, offices and research facilities in the state, the company has invested over US$10bn and employs more than 2,500 full-time staff. Thousands of additional jobs have been supported through construction and operations.

“Meta has been proud to call Texas home for the past decade,” says Rachel. “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. We’re grateful for the support and excited to see this site grow in the years to come.”

“Texas is the epicentre of innovation,” says Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “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. Alongside companies like Meta and critical partners like the Borderplex Alliance, we will continue to lead the world in innovation as we build an even stronger and more prosperous Texas than ever before.”

Meta says its goal is to ensure that communities hosting its data centres benefit from long-term economic and social opportunities as digital infrastructure expands.

Prioritising efficiency and sustainability

Sustainability sits at the core of the El Paso development. The facility is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, meeting high standards in energy efficiency, renewable power use, water conservation and waste reduction.

Meta will use a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system that requires zero water for most of the year. As part of its company-wide goal to become water positive by 2030, Meta will restore 200% of the water consumed by the El Paso data centre to local watersheds.

The company is partnering with DigDeep to provide clean running water to nearby communities and with the Texas Water Action Collaborative to deliver restoration projects across the region.

Meta’s commitment to renewable energy continues with the El Paso site, which will match all electricity consumption with 100% clean energy. Through its agreement with El Paso Electric, Meta has financed new grid infrastructure, including substations and transmission lines, to support the data centre’s connection to the grid.

“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.

"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."

As construction progresses, Meta says the El Paso data centre will help power the next generation of AI innovation while supporting local economic development and environmental stewardship. The company’s focus on efficiency, flexibility and community engagement reflects how modern data centres are evolving to meet both digital and societal needs.