META

at $1.5 billion, 1.2 million-square-foot AI-optimized data center in Northeast El Paso, Texas, marking a significant investment in the region. The facility, located on a 1,000-acre site near the Texas-New Mexico state line, is designed to support the increasing demand for artificial intelligence technologies and is expected to be fully operational by 2028. 
Here are the key details regarding the project:

• Projected Impact & Jobs: The project is expected to create over 1,800 construction jobs, with roughly 100 permanent operational jobs once complete.
• Infrastructure & Power: The data center is designed to support up to 1 gigawatt of power capacity. To meet this high-energy demand, El Paso Electric is seeking approval for a $473 million natural gas-powered plant to support the project.
• Water Usage: Meta and El Paso Water reached an agreement allowing the facility to use up to 750,000 gallons of water per day, with the potential to increase to 1.5 million gallons daily for future phases. The company has stated it will use air-cooling systems to minimize water usage.
• Location: The facility is situated north of Stan Roberts Sr. Ave. and west of US Highway 54.
• Background: The investment was initially announced in 2023 as an $800 million project before being scaled up to $1.5 billion in October 2025. 

The project is considered a major economic development for the area, designed to boost the region's profile in the tech industry.