Meta just dropped a massive $1+ billion bet on AI infrastructure, announcing its 30th data center in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The facility will be optimized specifically for AI workloads and comes with an ambitious environmental restoration plan that includes 570 acres of wetlands rehabilitation. This marks Meta's biggest infrastructure commitment as the company doubles down on AI computing power to fuel its next-generation products.
Meta is making its biggest infrastructure play yet in the AI race, breaking ground on a $1+ billion data center in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin that signals just how seriously the company is taking its AI ambitions. The facility marks Meta's 30th data center globally and represents a massive bet on specialized AI computing infrastructure.
The timing couldn't be more critical. As AI workloads explode across the industry, Meta finds itself in an arms race with competitors like Microsoft and Google to build the computing power needed for next-generation AI models. According to Meta's official announcement, the Beaver Dam facility will be "optimized for our expanding AI workloads" and designed to "deliver the future of AI innovation."
The numbers tell the story of Meta's commitment. The company's investment will exceed $1 billion, creating more than 100 operational jobs and over 1,000 skilled trade positions during peak construction. But Meta isn't just writing checks - it's also underwriting nearly $200 million in energy infrastructure upgrades, including network improvements, utility substations, and transmission lines.
What sets this data center apart is Meta's aggressive environmental approach. The company is committing to restore 570 acres of wetlands and prairie surrounding the facility, with 175 acres being permanently deeded to Ducks Unlimited for long-term conservation. This isn't just corporate green-washing - it's a fundamental shift in how tech giants approach infrastructure development.
The facility will use dry-cooling technology, eliminating water demands for cooling once operational. Meta promises to "restore 100% of the water consumed by the data center to local watersheds" through rainwater capture, water-saving fixtures, and native landscaping that reduces irrigation needs.
Industry experts see this as Meta positioning itself for the next wave of AI computing demands. While competitors have focused primarily on cloud services, Meta's direct approach to owning its AI infrastructure gives it more control over performance and costs. The company's previous data centers have proven crucial for training large language models and supporting its AI assistant capabilities.
