Meta Platforms Inc., the company behind Facebook, plans to build an $800 million data center in Jeffersonville, in the southern area of Indiana. This marks the construction of the 18th data center in the U.S. and the 22nd across the globe by Meta respectively, reinforcing their commitment to delivering paramount technology and services to billions of users worldwide.
Further to this, Meta asserts that upon its completion, the Jeffersonville Data Center will be 100% reliant on renewable energy sources. With a target to achieve LEED Gold certification, it promises to bring forth approximately 100 employment opportunities in operation and numerous others in construction over the next few years.
Jeffersonville Mayor, Mike Moore, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that attracted Meta to their locale, and noted the significant economic impact the data center will bestow on the city.
From Meta's perspective, Brad Davis, the company's Director of Data Center Community and Economic Development, highlighted the strategic positioning of Jeffersonville for the new data center. He pointed out the benefits such as its access to an efficient infrastructure, renewable energy, a talent pool, as well as established community relationships. Davis also emphasized the vital role the data center will play in the delivery of technology and services to a worldwide audience, as it will be responsible for managing a server network to store, process, and transmit data.
As part of the incentives to attract Meta, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is offering a 35-year sales tax exemption on at least $800 million in eligible capital expenditure. This arrangement could be extended based further investments by Meta. Additional support was extended by the city of Jeffersonville, the River Ridge Development Authority, and Duke Energy.
The construction is due to begin this month, with the expectation that the data center will be fully operational by 2026.
