Exploring Meta'a US$1bn Tulsa Construction Project

Meta's data centre development in Tulsa represents one of the largest construction undertakings in Oklahoma's history, with significant implications for the state's building sector and workforce development.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, will become the site of Meta's next AI data centre, a construction project valued at more than US$1bn. Meta announced the project in April 2024. The development forms part of the company's global digital infrastructure expansion, with the building phase expected to mobilise more than 1,000 construction workers at peak activity.

The facility represents a substantial investment in the state's built environment, alongside a further US$25m directed towards infrastructure upgrades, including roads and water systems. The construction timeline positions this as a major project for Oklahoma's building industry, with around 100 permanent operational roles supported once the site becomes functional.

The project places Tulsa within a growing portfolio of data centre construction locations, designed to house the physical infrastructure required for AI computing capacity and large-scale digital services.

Construction workforce and skills development

The selection of Tulsa was influenced by access to reliable utilities and a skilled construction workforce, both essential for executing large-scale building projects of this complexity.

Workforce development forms a central component of the construction strategy. Meta has partnered with Tulsa Tech and Tulsa Community College to establish a cross-institutional programme focused on digital infrastructure construction careers.

This includes a dedicated learning lab and training across technical trades essential to modern data centre construction: cooling system simulation, fibre optic installation and structured cabling. The programme also covers AI and data analytics programming for the operational phase.

The initiative is expected to produce more than 200 graduates annually, creating a pipeline of skilled tradespeople to support both the Tulsa construction project and wider infrastructure demand across the region.

At peak construction, more than 1,000 workers will be expected onsite, representing a significant mobilisation of building trades and specialist contractors.

Infrastructure development and upgrades

Meta is directing US$25m towards local infrastructure improvements to support the construction and operation of the facility. This includes upgrades to road networks and water systems in East Tulsa, where the data centre will be built.

The company is working with Eastside Rise to expand a neighbourhood enhancement programme, supporting construction-related projects including community infrastructure improvements, public realm works and residential repairs.

The construction phase aligns with the planned Data Center Community Action Grants programme, which aims to improve STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) in the local area.

Michael Gordon, External Affairs Manager at the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, says: "Fantastic announcement today in Tulsa with the new Meta data centre, which will include a significant partnership with The Salvation Army of Tulsa, Oklahoma, through the Light A Life program of Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

"We are grateful for partners who share our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve and ensuring help is available when it's needed most."

Meta says it is making annual contributions to the Public Service Company of Oklahoma's Light a Life programme, which helps families facing financial emergencies to heat and cool their homes.

Building for sustainability

Sustainability considerations are integrated into the construction design and specification for the Tulsa data centre. Meta has stated a global target to become water positive by 2030, meaning it aims to restore more water than it consumes across its operations.

In Tulsa, this includes a partnership with Phytech on a 10-year water restoration project. The initiative will introduce plant-sensor technology across around 1,500 acres of agricultural land growing crops such as corn, soybeans and winter wheat.

This technology monitors plant conditions to optimise irrigation, helping farmers reduce water withdrawal while maintaining yields. The project is expected to save more than 189 million litres (50 million US gallons) of water each year.

Meta plans to match 100% of the Tulsa facility's electricity use with clean energy added to the grid. The company already holds contracts contributing more than 1,500MW of new clean energy capacity in Oklahoma.

The company is covering the full cost of its energy, water and wastewater services, ensuring the operational demands do not transfer to local consumers. Performance data for all operational facilities are published online.

The Tulsa construction project reflects continued expansion of hyperscale building infrastructure. Through substantial investment in the construction workforce and coordinated infrastructure upgrades, the development could embed large-scale data centre construction within both the local building economy and broader digital infrastructure sector.