By Meta via Facebook
In August 2021, we were thrilled to add Mesa, Arizona, to our family of data centers. Just nine months later, we’re excited to announce that we are expanding the Meta Mesa Data Center campus with three new buildings, reaching more than 2.5MSF.
This expansion raises our investment in Arizona to more than $1B. It also means that the number of skilled trade workers at peak will increase from an average of 1,500 to 2,000. And once it’s completed, we anticipate the data center will support 200 operational jobs.
Meta is dedicated to playing a positive role and investing in the long-term vitality of the communities in which we operate. As part of our commitment to the Mesa community, we are also announcing a $50K grant in support of the Mesa College Promise program, which provides support for Mesa residents graduating from local high schools to attend Mesa Community College. This program not only helps students bridge the cost of college attendance, but gives them the tools needed to succeed, including access to workshops, internship opportunities and an advisor.
We’re also deeply committed to the sustainability of our data centers, and that includes restoring more water than the Meta Mesa Data Center will consume into watersheds in Arizona. To accomplish this, we’ve partnered with local environmental nonprofits to restore approximately 200 million gallons of water per year in the Colorado River and Salt River basins, providing greater water security for the entire state. As of today, we have restored over 25 million gallons of water in Arizona.
Overall, the Meta Mesa Data Center is 60% more water efficient than the average data center, and once online, it will be supported by 100% renewable energy. In fact, our data center is helping to bring 450MW of new solar energy to Arizona. We have worked closely with Salt River Project to find three new projects in Pinal County.
Mesa has proven to be a great home for our data center, and we are excited to be expanding even further. With its excellent access to infrastructure, strong pool of talent for both construction and operations staff, access to new renewable energy resources, and great community partners, the Meta Mesa Data Center is already a success. (Source)
Editor’s Note: Media reports state the current phase is expected to deliver in 2023, with the total project coming online in 2026.