Meta Platforms has officially begun construction on a massive new data center in Tulsa, marking a major investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The project, valued at more than $1 billion, reflects the company’s growing focus on expanding computing power to support its long-term AI ambitions.
A Major Investment in AI Infrastructure
The Tulsa facility is part of Meta’s broader push to build the infrastructure needed for advanced AI systems. Under the leadership of CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the company has been investing heavily in data centers as it works toward developing more powerful and scalable AI technologies.
This project will be Meta’s first data center in Oklahoma and one of dozens worldwide, highlighting the company’s rapid expansion in this space.
Scale and Job Creation
The data center will be located at Fair Oaks Innovation Park and will span more than 2 million square feet. During peak construction, the project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs, providing a temporary boost to the local economy. Once operational, the facility will employ around 100 workers.
Fortis Construction has been named as the general contractor, overseeing the development of the site.
Energy and Infrastructure Commitments
Meta has stated that it will cover the full cost of water and wastewater services needed to support the facility. The company is also relying on Oklahoma’s energy capacity to power the data center.
Kevin Stitt emphasized the state’s ability to support such large-scale projects, noting that Oklahoma produces more energy than it consumes. This surplus, he said, makes the state an attractive location for energy-intensive operations like data centers.
Part of a Larger Global Expansion
The Tulsa facility will become Meta’s 28th data center in the United States and its 32nd globally. The expansion comes as major technology companies compete to build the infrastructure required for next-generation AI systems.
However, this rapid growth has also drawn criticism. Environmental and consumer groups have raised concerns about the high energy and water demands of large data centers, especially as companies continue to scale up operations.
Contrasting Moves: Expansion and Layoffs
The announcement comes at a time when Meta is also undergoing internal changes. Reports indicate the company is planning a wave of layoffs, with the first phase expected soon and additional cuts later in the year.
This contrast highlights a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are simultaneously reducing workforce costs while investing heavily in automation and AI-driven infrastructure.
