Meta and BlackRock partner on El Paso AI data center
Meta has partnered with BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, and HPS Investment Partners to develop and own a major artificial intelligence data center campus in El Paso, Texas. The facility, currently under construction and expected to begin operating in 2028, will deliver 1 gigawatt of compute capacity. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar has expressed concerns about resource use, and local residents have reported increased noise and dust from the construction.
Meta announced a financial partnership with BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), and HPS Investment Partners to develop and own a significant artificial intelligence data center campus in El Paso, Texas. Under the agreement, BlackRock, along with GIP and HPS, will provide capital for the project, while Meta will manage construction and operations, serving as the sole occupant upon completion.
The El Paso campus, currently under construction, is projected to offer 1 gigawatt of compute capacity and is slated to become operational in 2028. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that this partnership with BlackRock's team allows for faster, larger-scale development of AI infrastructure. BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink emphasized the project's role in addressing the demand for large-scale AI infrastructure investment and creating local jobs.
However, the project has drawn some criticism. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, has voiced concerns regarding the resource consumption of data centers. Additionally, residents living near the construction site have reported increased noise, dust, and significant construction activity, with one resident, Tara Mitchell, comparing the brightly lit site to an amusement park.