News Summary
Meta has announced its plan to invest $800 million to build a data center in Aiken County, South Carolina. This facility, spanning 715,000 square feet, will create over 1,000 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions upon completion in spring 2027. The center will run on 100% renewable energy, demonstrating Meta’s commitment to sustainability. This project is expected to significantly enhance local economic development and technology infrastructure in the region.
Exciting News for Aiken County: Meta Announces Major Data Center Project
Aiken County, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement following the announcement that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is investing a whopping $800 million to build a state-of-the-art data center in the Sage Mill Industrial Park. This milestone was revealed on April 17, 2025, and it marks a significant moment for the community.
What’s the Scoop?
This shiny new data center is set to be Meta’s very first facility in South Carolina and will be the 22nd center the tech giant has established across the United States. Spanning an impressive 715,000 square feet, this facility will be capable of storing a mind-blowing amount of data—imagine holding the entire collection of the Library of Congress ten thousand times over! Now that will definitely make a mark!
When Will It Open?
The construction of this massive center is anticipated to kick off shortly, and Meta plans to have it up and running by the spring of 2027. That’s not too far off! A project of this magnitude is bound to attract attention and create excitement in the area.
Jobs Galore!
One of the most thrilling aspects of this project is the job potential it brings to the Aiken community. More than 1,000 construction jobs are expected to pop up during the peak phase of construction. Once the data center is fully operational, around 100 permanent jobs will be available, helping to boost the local economy.
A Long-Awaited Decision
Interestingly, Meta’s decision to invest in Aiken County didn’t happen overnight. The company initially shared its plans in August 2024 after nearly three years of negotiations with local government and economic development organizations. Aiken County was the perfect fit, thanks to its “shovel-ready” site, a skilled workforce from the nearby Army Cyber Command, and robust community partnerships focused on energy and education.
Going Green!
In excellent news for our planet, Meta has announced that the data center will run on 100% renewable energy. The Aiken Electric Cooperative will be powering the center, showcasing Meta’s commitment to sustainability. The company is also striving to make its data centers some of the most eco-friendly globally, with ambitious goals to be “water-positive” by 2030.
Community Connection
Beyond just creating jobs and building a facility, Meta is eager to forge strong ties within the community. The company aims to partner with local chambers of commerce to develop educational programs that can help local businesses understand technology better. These initiatives could include Community Action Grants aimed at enhancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education locally, which is pretty fantastic for young learners.
A Bright Future for Aiken County
The implications of Meta’s investment can be felt throughout Aiken County, with local leaders viewing the project as a critical component of the region’s economic development strategy. This new data center will not only support Meta’s growing focus on artificial intelligence but also significantly enhance the local technology landscape.
Competition in the Region
Aiken isn’t alone in pursuing tech investments; other data centers are also in the works. For instance, DC BLOX is planning a facility in North Augusta, demonstrating the ongoing growth of the tech industry in South Carolina.
Final Thoughts
Aiken County stands at the edge of transformation, thanks to Meta’s ambitious plans. As construction rolls out over the next couple of years, the community can anticipate not just new buildings but also new opportunities, connections, and the chance to grow alongside one of the world’s leading technology companies. Buckle up, Aiken—exciting times are ahead!
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