Strategic partnership aims to accelerate AI infrastructure development with one of the world’s largest data centre campuses
Meta has entered into a landmark partnership with BlackRock to develop and own a massive artificial intelligence data centre campus in El Paso, Texas, marking one of the largest infrastructure investments supporting the next generation of AI technologies.
The venture combines Meta’s extensive expertise in designing and operating hyperscale data centres with BlackRock’s global infrastructure investment capabilities. The project is expected to cost approximately $14 billion and will provide 1 gigawatt of compute capacity, making it one of the company’s most significant AI infrastructure developments to date.
Powering Meta’s AI Future
The El Paso campus will serve as a cornerstone of Meta’s long-term AI ambitions, supporting the company’s next-generation AI models while strengthening the computing infrastructure behind its core products and services. Meta Compute, the company’s infrastructure strategy, is designed to pair its operational expertise with strategic capital partnerships that enable faster deployment of large-scale AI facilities.
Construction is already underway, with more than 2,300 workers currently on-site. The venture is expected to begin bringing capacity online in 2028, with Meta becoming the campus’s initial and sole tenant once completed.
Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg described the project as a critical investment in the future of artificial intelligence.
“Building the infrastructure for superintelligence is key to making sure the benefits of this technology are distributed to everyone,” Zuckerberg said. “Our partnership with Larry and the team at BlackRock allows us to move faster and at greater scale.”
BlackRock Strengthens AI Infrastructure Portfolio
BlackRock was selected following what Meta described as a highly competitive partner selection process. The investment management giant will work alongside its infrastructure businesses, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and HPS Investment Partners, to finance and develop the project.
BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink said the investment demonstrates growing global demand for strategic infrastructure partnerships as AI development accelerates.
“We’re excited to partner with Mark and the Meta leadership team on the El Paso data centre campus, which will create thousands of skilled jobs and help drive economic growth in the local community,” Fink said.
He added that the transaction showcases BlackRock’s ability to provide both capital and infrastructure expertise for projects at the centre of the rapidly expanding AI economy.
Multi-Billion Dollar Economic Impact
Meta will invest more than $10 billion into the El Paso development, creating significant employment opportunities throughout the region.
At peak construction, the campus is expected to support more than 4,000 construction jobs, while approximately 300 permanent operational roles will be created once the facility becomes fully operational.
Beyond direct employment, Meta is investing in workforce development through America’s Workforce Academy, a free skilled trades programme that guarantees graduates employment with Meta partners at the company’s data centre sites.
The technology giant has also committed $500,000 to El Paso public schools to expand STEM education and skilled trades pathways, helping prepare future generations for careers in technology and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, BlackRock is expanding its workforce development efforts through its Future Builders initiative. Backed by nearly $30 million from The BlackRock Foundation, the programme aims to train more than 12,000 electricians over the next three years to meet growing demand across energy, infrastructure and data centre construction.
Environmental and Community Commitments
In addition to infrastructure investment, Meta said it will continue supporting local environmental initiatives through partnerships with nonprofit organisations focused on water restoration, improved water quality, safe drinking water access and habitat restoration.
These programmes form part of the company’s broader sustainability commitments as demand for energy-intensive AI infrastructure continues to grow.
Innovative Financing Structure
Under the agreement, funds managed by BlackRock will own 80% of the joint venture, while Meta will retain the remaining 20% ownership stake.
Meta will contribute land and construction assets valued at approximately $2.3 billion, while BlackRock will inject around $4.9 billion in cash. The financing package also includes $12.5 billion in debt financing, underscoring the scale of investor confidence in AI infrastructure.
Meta will lease the entire campus under agreements that could extend for up to 20 years, providing long-term flexibility as the company continues expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities.
AI Infrastructure Race Intensifies
The announcement reflects the growing global race among technology companies to secure the computing infrastructure required to power increasingly sophisticated AI models. As demand for high-performance computing continues to surge, partnerships between technology firms and institutional investors are becoming increasingly common, allowing companies like Meta to accelerate infrastructure deployment while sharing development costs and financial risk.
