Meta Unveils $800M AI Data Center in Alabama: Its Second Facility in the State

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is investing $800 million to construct a state-of-the-art data center in Montgomery, Alabama, aimed at enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities and expanding its data infrastructure. Spanning an impressive 715,000 square feet, this facility will operate entirely on renewable energy sources, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainability. This project represents Meta's 20th data center in the United States and its second location in Alabama, with a previous center established just three miles away in Huntsville. The anticipated opening date for the Montgomery site is set for 2026.

During a recent event attended by company representatives, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey emphasized the significance of this investment, which elevates Meta’s overall commitment to the state to $1.5 billion. “Every day, millions of people worldwide rely on Meta’s products, and the new data center in Montgomery will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the company’s popular platforms,” Governor Ivey remarked. She expressed enthusiasm for Meta's ongoing investment in Alabama, stating, “Meta is establishing roots in another great location in Sweet Home Alabama, and we are dedicated to supporting the company’s growth and success in this region.”

The expansion into Alabama aligns with Meta's strategic shift towards bolstering its AI services. The robust infrastructure provided by this new center will facilitate the increased workloads associated with innovative offerings, such as Meta AI, a chatbot similar to ChatGPT that is integrated into its social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp. The journey for Meta in Alabama began in 2018 with the groundbreaking of its first data center, which commenced operations three years later.

Recent research from Omdia highlights Meta’s status as one of Nvidia's top customers, owing to the acquisition of thousands of GPUs essential for training and implementing its AI models. “We are excited to announce that our newest data center will be based in Montgomery,” stated Brad Davis, Meta’s director of community and economic development. He noted the city’s advantageous access to critical infrastructure, renewable energy, a vibrant talent pool, and strong community partnerships as key factors in their decision.

As Meta continues to scale its AI initiatives, this strategic investment in Montgomery is a significant step towards reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the tech industry.