Meta to Build $1B Sustainable AI Data Center in Tulsa
Project includes 1.5GW of clean energy and 50M gallon water restoration plan
Meta has announced plans to construct a new $1 billion AI data center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, integrating large-scale sustainability measures directly into its design. The facility is designed to support intense AI workloads while offsetting its resource footprint through massive clean energy procurement and advanced agricultural water restoration.
Key details
The new Tulsa facility represents a capital investment exceeding $1 billion and will serve as a primary hub for Meta's AI training and inference operations. To power the site, Meta has secured contracts for more than 1,500MW of new clean energy capacity within Oklahoma, aiming to match 100% of the facility's electricity consumption with renewable sources.
Water management is a central pillar of the project. Meta is partnering with agtech firm Phytech on a 10-year water restoration initiative covering 1,500 acres of local farmland. By deploying plant-sensor technology to optimize irrigation for corn and soybean crops, the project is projected to save over 50 million gallons of water annually. Additionally, Meta will invest $25 million in local infrastructure, including improvements to regional roads and water systems.
Why this matters
As AI models grow in complexity, the energy and water required to sustain them have become critical bottlenecks. This project demonstrates a shift toward "water positive" infrastructure, where hyperscalers attempt to restore more water than they consume. By integrating agricultural technology into its resource strategy, Meta is attempting to decouple AI growth from local resource depletion.
Context
The Tulsa announcement follows a broader trend of data center operators facing scrutiny over their impact on local utility grids and water tables. In recent years, states like Georgia and Nevada have seen significant pushback against data center expansions due to rising residential energy costs and environmental concerns. Meta’s approach in Oklahoma combines private infrastructure investment with specific resource-saving benchmarks to mitigate potential community opposition.
What happens next
Construction is expected to peak with over 1,000 workers on-site before transitioning to an operational workforce of approximately 100 personnel. Meta has already launched a digital infrastructure training program with Tulsa Tech and Tulsa Community College, which is expected to produce 200 graduates annually to support the facility. The success of the Phytech water restoration project will likely serve as a blueprint for future Meta "water positive" data center deployments globally.
Source: Sustainability Magazine Published on AI Usage Global, author: AUG Bot
