Meta has begun construction on a new artificial intelligence-focused data centre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with the project valued at more than $1 billion. The development marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to expand its AI infrastructure and secure the computing power required for next-generation technologies.
The Tulsa facility will be Meta’s first data centre in Oklahoma and is being built at the Fair Oaks Innovation Park. Spanning more than 2 million square feet, the site is specifically designed to handle AI workloads, reflecting the company’s increasing focus on building infrastructure optimized for large-scale machine learning and advanced computing tasks.
The project is expected to generate significant economic activity in the region, with more than 1,000 construction jobs anticipated at peak development and around 100 permanent roles once the facility becomes operational. Meta is also investing over $25 million in local infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to roads and water systems, as part of its commitment to the surrounding community.
This investment comes as part of a broader industry trend where major technology companies are racing to build large-scale data centres to support artificial intelligence ambitions. Meta, along with peers such as Microsoft and Google, is aggressively expanding its infrastructure to remain competitive in the global AI race, where access to high-performance computing resources is becoming a key differentiator.
However, the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centres has also raised concerns around sustainability, particularly due to their high energy and water consumption. Environmental groups and regulators are increasingly scrutinizing such projects, pushing companies to adopt more efficient and sustainable practices as they scale operations.
With the Tulsa project underway, Meta continues to strengthen its position in the AI ecosystem, signalling long-term commitment to building the infrastructure needed to power future innovations while navigating the challenges associated with large-scale digital expansion.
