Meta and BlackRock to build a giant data center with a capacity of 1 GW
Learn about the joint project between Meta and BlackRock to build a giant 1 GW data center that will transform the future of digital infrastructure and set new standards in data processing.
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- Meta and BlackRock are launching a data center project in El Paso for AI processing with a capacity of 1 GW.
- The campus will create over 4,000 jobs and provide training for students in technology and vocational fields.
- The company's initiatives include water resource restoration and support for local educational programs.
Meta announced a partnership with BlackRock to build a data center campus in El Paso, Texas. The facility, with a capacity of 1 GW, is intended for artificial intelligence operations. Additional computing power is set to come online in 2028.
Construction has already begun. Meta estimates its investment in the project at $10 billion and plans to close the deal soon. The company will handle construction, administrative, and property management of the campus and will become its first and sole tenant upon completion.
In this project, Meta is relying on its 15 years of experience in designing, building, and operating data centers. BlackRock will provide large-scale funding and expertise in infrastructure investments and private financing.
The new capacity will be required for artificial intelligence services, including Meta AI, which generates text, images, and video. According to Meta, the campus will help the company accelerate the development of AI models and support the growth of its core business.
“Building infrastructure for superintelligence is key to making the benefits of this technology accessible to everyone,” said Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “Our partnership with Larry [Fink] and the BlackRock team allows us to move faster and operate at a larger scale, combining our deep expertise in designing and operating world-class data centers with the capabilities of one of the world’s leading infrastructure investors.”
There are already 2,300 people employed at the site. At the peak of construction, the number of jobs is expected to exceed 4,000, and after the campus opens, there will be 300 permanent employees remaining there.
Meta has also included the site in America’s Workforce Academy. This is a free platform for vocational training. Graduates are guaranteed employment with one of Meta's partners at the company's data center facilities.
Public schools in the region will receive a $500,000 grant from Meta to develop the workforce. Students will gain practical experience by completing tasks that closely resemble real-world situations, and will be introduced to careers in STEM fields and vocational trades.
Some local initiatives are related to water. Meta intends to collaborate with non-profit organizations to restore water resources and local habitats, improve water quality, and expand access to safe drinking water.
BlackRock, in turn, will prepare specialists in Texas through the Future Builders program. It is expected that over the next three years, more than 12,000 electricians will be trained under this program. These specialists will be needed against the backdrop of rising demand in the energy, infrastructure construction, and data center industries.