Aiken County Set to Host Meta’s $800 Million Data Center Investment, Boosting Local Economy and Technology Sector

Aiken County Welcomes Meta’s New Data Center Investment

Aiken County, South Carolina, is set to become a hub for technology with a substantial investment from Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook. The company has announced plans for an $800 million data center that will be situated in Sage Mill Industrial Park in Graniteville. This project is part of a broader trend of significant tech investments in the region.

Project Details

The upcoming data center will cover 715,000 square feet and is expected to create approximately 100 operational jobs. Meta has designed the facility to handle intensive artificial intelligence workloads, a clear indication of the growing demand for computing power. The center will consist of four buildings along with a necessary electrical substation.

Construction of the data center is estimated to begin soon, with the goal to have it fully operational by spring 2027. This will mark Meta’s 22nd server farm in the United States and its 26th worldwide.

Community Impact

Kevin Janda, the director of data center strategy for Meta, emphasized the company’s commitment to the local community, stating that they are excited to invest in Aiken. He highlighted that South Carolina stood out for several reasons, including access to crucial infrastructure, energy availability, and a strong labor pool. The company is also focused on hiring locally and collaborating with community partners for the project.

Commitment to Sustainability

One of the challenges with data centers is their massive energy consumption. However, Meta has promised that the electricity used at the Graniteville site will be sourced from 100 percent renewable energy. The company stated it will work to introduce new alternative energy sources to help sustain the local power grid.

A Long Journey to Development

The investment announcement, made on August 29, 2024, has been in the works for over a year. Local Aiken government officials previously hinted at attracting the large-scale project — codenamed “Project Sabal” — by offering property tax incentives. An undisclosed intermediary, known as Starskey LLC, played a crucial role in negotiations between Meta and local authorities.

Governor’s Support

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster celebrated the news, calling it a major victory for the state’s technology sector. He noted the existing presence of other tech giants in the region, including Google, which operates a $2 billion server campus in Moncks Corner. Google has also outlined plans for additional data centers in Dorchester County.

The Role of AI in Data Center Demand

The growing inclination towards artificial intelligence technologies is a significant factor in the increasing demand for data centers. AI tools necessitate extensive computing power and storage capabilities, driving companies like Meta to enhance their infrastructure.

Future Prospects

As Aiken County prepares for the arrival of Meta’s new data center, local officials are optimistic about the economic benefits it will bring. More job opportunities and a boost to the local economy are seen as positive outcomes from this major investment. The partnership with Meta is set to enhance the technological landscape of South Carolina and attract further investments in the future.

The anticipation surrounding the new Meta data center reflects a larger trend in South Carolina’s economy, focused on attracting tech giants and fostering innovation. Local communities are gearing up for the transitions ahead, hopeful that this could lead to more advancements in technology and economic growth.