Texas News

Vol. 4 [Texas News] Big Tech Data Center Boom Sweeps Across Texas

28 Mar 2026 • 2 min read

AI-generated image

As Microsoft, Meta, and Google (backing Anthropic) successively announce large-scale AI data center investments in Texas—or significantly expand existing plans—the state is emerging as a key hub for AI infrastructure in the United States.

Microsoft has taken over the expansion of the Abilene, Texas data center project originally abandoned by OpenAI, and plans to partner with developer Crusoe to build two additional AI factory buildings along with dedicated power facilities. (FineDayRadio)
This will bring the total number of data center buildings at the Abilene site to ten, with overall computing capacity expected to reach 2.1 gigawatts. (FineDayRadio)
The site was initially planned as a cryptocurrency mining facility, but shifted toward AI data centers as demand surged following the launch of ChatGPT. (FineDayRadio)

Although OpenAI has withdrawn from further expansion in Abilene, it is currently developing projects at more than six locations nationwide, including Wisconsin, while continuing to operate its existing facilities in Abilene. (FineDayRadio)

Meta has increased its investment in a data center in El Paso from an initial $1.5 billion to $10 billion—more than sixfold—and plans to build a 1-gigawatt facility targeted for operation by 2028. (CNBC, ET News)
The facility will span approximately 1.2 million square feet, with around 4,000 workers expected during peak construction and more than 300 permanent jobs created upon completion. (CNBC, ET News)
To address concerns over water shortages associated with data center expansion, Meta is advancing eight water restoration projects across Texas and is also working with nonprofit organizations to deliver running water to more than 100 households for the first time. (CNBC)
The El Paso site will be Meta’s third data center in Texas. Globally, Meta currently operates or is developing 30 data centers, 26 of which are located in the United States. (CNBC)
Meta plans to invest up to $135 billion this year alone to expand its AI infrastructure, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg signaling an aggressive push to secure data centers, computing power, and talent. (CNBC, ET News)

Google is in the final stages of negotiating a deal to raise more than $5 billion to support Anthropic’s data center construction in Texas. The 2,800-acre campus is expected to begin with a 500-megawatt supply in early 2026, with potential expansion up to 7.7 gigawatts. (Let’s Data Science)