Behind Meta's US$1bn Tulsa Data Centre Investment

Tulsa, Oklahoma is set to host Meta’s next AI data centre, forming part of the company’s global digital infrastructure that supports its technologies and services.

The facility represents an investment of more than US$1bn in the state, alongside a further US$25m directed towards local infrastructure including roads and water systems.

At the data centre's peak construction, more than 1,000 workers will be expected onsite, with around 100 roles supported once the site becomes operational.

The project places Tulsa within a growing network of data centre locations designed to deliver compute capacity for AI workloads and large-scale digital services.

Infrastructure and workforce development

Meta selected Tulsa based on its access to reliable infrastructure and a skilled workforce, both essential for data centre operations.

Workforce development forms a core part of the plan. Meta have partnered with Tulsa Tech and Tulsa Community College to create a cross-institutional programme focused on digital infrastructure careers.

This includes a learning lab and training across technical trades like cooling simulation, fibre optics and structured cabling, as well as AI and data analytics programming.

The programme is expected to produce more than 200 graduates each year, creating a pipeline of skilled workers to support both the Tulsa facility and wider digital infrastructure demand.

Community integration and partnerships

Meta is linking the development to a broader set of community initiatives in East Tulsa, where the data centre will be located.

The company is working with Eastside Rise to expand a neighbourhood enhancement programme, supporting projects including community gardens, public art and homeowner repairs.

Its investments align with the planned Data Center Community Action Grants programme, which aims to improve STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

Furthermore, Meta says it is making annual contributions to the Public Service Company of Oklahoma's Light a Life programme, which helps families facing financial emergencies to heat and cool their homes.

Michael Gordon, External Affairs Manager at the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, says: "Fantastic announcement today in Tulsa with the new Meta data centre, which will include significant partnership with The Salvation Army of Tulsa, Oklahoma through the Light A Life program of Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

"We are grateful for partners who share our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve and ensuring help is available when it’s needed most."

Sustainability and resource management

Sustainability is a core design factor for the Tulsa data centre. Meta has stated a global target to become water positive by 2030, meaning it aims to restore more water than it consumes. In Tulsa, this includes a partnership with Phytech on a 10-year water restoration project.

The initiative will introduce plant-sensor technology across around 1,500 acres of crops such as corn, soybeans and winter wheat.

This technology monitors plant conditions to optimise irrigation, helping farmers reduce water withdrawal while maintaining yields. It is expected to save more than 50 million gallons of water each year.

Meta plans to match 100% of the Tulsa facility’s electricity use with clean energy added to the grid. The company already holds contracts contributing more than 1,500MW of new clean energy capacity in Oklahoma.

It is covering the full cost of its energy, water and wastewater services, making sure the operational demands do not transfer to local consumers. The stats for all operational facilities are published online.

The Tulsa data centre reflects continued expansion of hyperscale infrastructure. Through investment and resource management, the project embeds data centre operations within both the local economy and broader digital ecosystem.