Meta’s First AI Data Center In The US Just Opened In Temple Texas

The number of data centers under construction in Texas grows with each passing day. Meta's data center in Temple is now up and running.

Meta Launches $1.2 Billion AI Data Center Campus in Temple

Tech giant Meta has formally launched its new artificial intelligence data center along Industrial Boulevard in Temple, its first artificial intelligence-optimized data center in the United States. The $1.2 billion investment first broke ground in 2022 before undergoing a facility redesign and construction restart in 2023.The campus encompasses over 760,000 square feet divided between two primary structures.

Drop in Employment Numbers

During the height of construction, the development employed more than 1,200 skilled trade workers on-site. Today, the operational facility employs less than 100 permanent positions across daily management, engineering, and maintenance roles.

Educational Investments in Bell County

To mark the grand opening, Meta announced a $400,000 grant for local schools and non-profit groups. The donations come at a time that Data centers are seeing heated pushback from Texans concerned about the power grid and finite amounts of water. The newly announced grant will fund mobile artificial intelligence and STEM learning laboratories designed for students spanning from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across both the Temple and Belton independent school districts.

Environmental Impact and Infrastructure Support

Recognizing widespread public outrage surrounding the resource demands of large-scale data facilities, Meta addressed its environmental strategy and operational transparency. Company officials confirmed that all electrical consumption at the Temple campus is matched with 100% clean and renewable energy. Across Texas, Meta supports more than 40 renewable projects that collectively contribute roughly 9,000 megawatts of clean energy to the state's power grid.

Published Reports

The company says that it publishes comprehensive annual sustainability reports tracking resource use, with the next update scheduled for release this fall.