Meta has announced a commitment to invest over $600 billion in the United States by 2028 to advance artificial intelligence technology, infrastructure, and workforce development. The company says its investment in AI data centers is designed to help maintain America’s technological leadership and support the development of next-generation AI products.
According to Meta, its data center projects have supported more than 30,000 skilled trade jobs and 5,000 operational jobs since 2010. The company describes itself as one of the largest customers for US-based general contractors and manufacturers, currently generating over $20 billion in business for subcontractors across the country. These projects involve various professions such as steel workers, pipefitters, electricians, and fiber technicians who are involved in building AI-optimized data centers.
Meta also highlights its efforts toward responsible construction and operation of these facilities. The company works with utilities to meet energy requirements and states that it pays for the energy costs associated with its data centers. Meta claims its direct investments have enabled hundreds of millions of dollars in new or upgraded grid infrastructure and contributed 15 gigawatts of new energy capacity to US power grids. In addition, Meta reports that its data center designs use less water than industry standards and that it aims to become water positive by 2030 through restoration initiatives in local watersheds.
On community engagement, Meta says it invests in local infrastructure such as roads and water systems and prioritizes sourcing labor and materials locally when possible. The company also supports STEAM education programs at local schools. "We’re contributing millions of dollars to bill assistance programs that help low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs, and through our Data Center Community Action Grants, we’ve given $58 million to schools, nonprofits, and community projects," Meta stated. Grant recipients have used funds for STEM education opportunities for underserved youth, veteran training programs in new technologies, food support for senior citizens, among other community services.
"As the importance of AI grows, so will the importance of data centers. We’ll continue to build and scale infrastructure for the future of AI while supporting the communities that host us," according to a statement from Meta.