Oracle data centre to create 4,000 construction roles

Oracle's Project Jupiter Data Centre Campus in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, is expected to create more than 4,000 construction jobs and deliver US$384m in economic impact annually during the construction phase.

Once operational, the facility is expected to support 1,500 ongoing jobs and produce US$113m in annual economic activity.

The project is part of a broader push by hyperscalers to build out AI infrastructure across the US. Oracle is among a group of major technology companies projected to spend between US$630bn and US$700bn on combined capital expenditures in 2026 to meet growing demand for AI data capacity.

Julia Robin, Head of Infrastructure Planning and Sourcing for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, says the project is expected to deliver transformational benefits to residents of Doña Ana County. "We want New Mexicans to get the facts about the project directly from us," she says.

Infrastructure spending commitments

Oracle has committed US$360m in direct support for schools, infrastructure and local services through Project Jupiter. The company is making a US$50m investment in Doña Ana County's water system.

According to the company's website, it is contributing US$6.9m to fund community projects such as the Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces. Oracle plans to fund all energy costs for the project to ensure no impact on residential electricity rates.

The data centre will use fuel cell technology from Bloom Energy. Both the data centre and fuel cell cooling systems will not use the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority's public drinking water supply.

The systems require a one-time startup fill of non-potable water sourced from an existing water rights holder. Water usage to maintain these systems could equal the annual use of two US households.

Community response to development

The project comes amid mixed public opinion on the environmental impact of data centres in the US. According to Pew Research Centre, 39% of Americans say that data centres are mostly bad for the environment.

The facility is designed to avoid drawing on the local public water supply during both construction and operation.

"The project is planned to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to improve schools, drinking water and local infrastructure across Doña Ana County, minimise water usage on campus, deliver a clean and reliable power solution through Bloom Energy fuel cells and create thousands of new career opportunities for residents," Julia says.

"The more residents hear the facts about the project, the more we hope they will understand its transformative benefits for New Mexico."

Oracle's approach could serve as a model for hyperscalers seeking to address community concerns as data centre development accelerates across the US.

Construction workforce development plans

Oracle has said it will prioritise training, upskilling and hiring of Doña Ana County residents. The approach could boost job growth in construction-related trades across the area.

Data centre construction is driving sustained demand for skilled trades across the US. Engineers, technicians and specialised contractors are among the roles most in demand as hyperscalers accelerate their build programmes.

Oracle is among a group of major technology companies expected to commit significant capital expenditure to AI infrastructure in 2026, sustaining construction activity well beyond a single project.

The construction phase of Project Jupiter is expected to generate roles across multiple trades and disciplines, with Oracle committing to prioritise local residents for those opportunities.