$1.2B Meta Data Center Opens in Temple

Meta has officially opened a $1.2 billion hyperscale data center in Temple, Texas, marking its second operational facility in the state. The new campus is expected to employ approximately 100 full-time workers and will contribute a significant load to Texas' electricity grid and water system.

The data center's water usage is estimated to be less than that of a typical golf course, which can consume 120 million to 140 million gallons annually. Meta has stated its goal to be "water positive" by 2030, aiming to restore more water than it consumes. Regarding energy, Meta claims its electricity use will be matched with 100% clean and renewable energy, adding 9,000 megawatts to the Texas grid through over 40 projects. However, Brad Davis, Meta's director of global data center economic development, declined to specify the exact water and power requirements for the Temple site.

The opening comes amidst growing public and governmental scrutiny of data center expansion in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott recently directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and ERCOT to audit all data centers requesting grid interconnection, requiring compliance with state regulations before approving new projects. Polling indicates public opposition to data center construction, and Governor Abbott has also instructed PUCT and ERCOT to ensure that residential electric bills are not negatively impacted by data center-driven infrastructure costs.

Local sentiment reflects this opposition, with comments on the Meta Temple Data Center Facebook page expressing disdain for the project. The Temple campus is one of three data center projects planned for the area, highlighting ongoing tensions between tech development and community concerns.