Question: I heard in news that Facebook or Meta has launched new data center in Aiken County. Can anyone tell about it?
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has launched a significant new project in Aiken County, South Carolina: an $800 million data center. This facility, sprawling over 715,000 square feet, marks Meta’s first venture of this kind in the state. Located in Sage Mill Industrial Park near Graniteville, the data center is set to create around 100 high-tech jobs, reinforcing South Carolina’s growing reputation as a hub for technology and innovation.
Meta’s Growing Footprint in the U.S.
This facility is a part of Meta’s expanding network of data centers, becoming the 22nd in the U.S. and the 26th globally. Designed to support the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives and manage its multiple social media platforms, this data center underscores Meta’s commitment to enhancing its technological infrastructure.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster praised the development as a significant achievement for the state’s tech industry. The data center is expected to be operational by spring 2027, contributing to the local economy and solidifying the state’s role in the national tech landscape.
Addressing Energy Demands
The data center will require a substantial amount of energy, with an estimated draw of 200 megawatts. This development comes at a time when South Carolina is grappling with increased energy demands driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and advancements in technology. State-owned utility Santee Cooper is seeking to address these challenges by collaborating with Dominion Energy on a proposed 2,000-megawatt natural gas power plant in Colleton County. However, the proposed legislative changes accompanying this partnership have faced criticism from environmental and consumer advocates, resulting in a delay in the bill’s passage.
Renewable Energy Commitment
Meta has committed to powering the Aiken County data center entirely with renewable energy, a move that aligns with its broader sustainability goals. This focus on clean energy is particularly relevant as data centers, known for their significant electricity and water consumption, contribute to the growing strain on local resources.
Economic and Educational Impact
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, including job creation and an expanded property tax base, Meta plans to engage with local schools to promote science and technology education. This initiative aims to cultivate a future workforce that is well-equipped to thrive in the technology sector.
South Carolina’s Expanding Data Center Network
South Carolina is rapidly becoming a preferred location for data centers. In addition to Meta, companies like Google, DC Blox, and IT firm DartPoints have established a presence in the state. The largest cryptocurrency company, GDA, opened three centers in the Upstate in 2023, and QTS has invested in land for a $1 billion data center in York County.
As the demand for data processing and storage grows, South Carolina’s appeal as a strategic location for such facilities continues to rise. For those interested in exploring Meta’s presence further, details on the Facebook data center location can provide additional insights into the company’s strategic positioning in South Carolina.
Future Outlook
As more data centers like Meta’s are established, it will be crucial to balance resource use with technological advancement. State leaders and utility companies will need to continue working on innovative solutions to meet the energy demands of these facilities while ensuring sustainability for the future.
This development not only reinforces South Carolina’s role in the national tech economy but also sets the stage for continued growth and investment in the state’s technology infrastructure.
