News Summary
Facebook has announced a $750 million investment to build a new data center in Newton County, Georgia. This major investment aims to boost local jobs, with over 100 positions created. The facility, set to be powered entirely by renewable energy, underscores Facebook’s commitment to expanding its data storage capabilities. As the global demand for data storage grows, this new center marks Facebook’s ninth in the U.S., aligning with broader trends in digital content consumption and economic development in the Atlanta region.
Newtown, Georgia – Facebook to Invest in Data Center
Facebook has announced a significant investment of $750 million to construct a new data center in Newton County, located approximately 45 miles east of downtown Atlanta. This investment is part of a broader strategic initiative to enhance the company’s data storage capabilities, which has expanded significantly in recent years.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The new data center is expected to create over 100 full-time jobs for the local community, providing a boost to the regional economy. Governor Nathan Deal disclosed the details of the investment during a news conference, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to improving Georgia’s business climate throughout his tenure.
Facebook’s Data Center Strategy Vice President highlighted that the company is dedicated to positively impacting the local community. This project marks Facebook’s ninth data center in the United States and is anticipated to be fully operational by 2020. The facility will comprise two buildings covering about 970,000 square feet and will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources.
Context of the Investment
This announcement comes against a backdrop of controversies surrounding Georgia lawmakers and air travel giant Delta Air Lines, which makes the decision to invest in Georgia particularly noteworthy. The Atlanta region has become increasingly attractive for data center projects due to its ample land, low-cost power, and a surging market demand for data storage.
In recent years, Atlanta has experienced a significant uptick in data center leasing activity. Many companies have turned to the Atlanta area in search of more affordable locations, moving away from traditional markets such as Northern Virginia, where costs have soared.
Rising Demand for Data Storage
The global demand for data storage continues to rise, driven by the increasing volume of digital content, including photos and videos. As Facebook caters to a growing user base exceeding 2 billion worldwide, the company is strategically expanding its data center footprint both nationally and internationally. This expansion is not only a reaction to their current needs but a proactive measure to accommodate future demands as digital content consumption rises.
Further context reveals that Georgia Power must enhance its transmission capabilities to meet the expected surge in energy demands stemming from such projects. This aspect aligns with broader trends where utilities need to prepare for the rapid growth of data centers, which are becoming pivotal engines for local and state economies across the country.
In addition to Facebook’s investment in Georgia, numerous other data center projects have launched across the U.S., with states like New Mexico also witnessing significant investments from the tech giant. These expansions underscore the essential role of data centers in the modern digital economy and their corresponding impact on job creation and economic development.
The construction of this new data center in Newton County symbolizes Facebook’s ongoing commitment to growth and innovation while aiming to foster economic benefit in the regions it operates. As the company continues to expand its infrastructure, local communities can expect both job opportunities and enhanced technologies that support their digital ecosystems.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Statesboro Herald
- Construction Dive
- Data Center Knowledge
- Axios
- Data Center Frontier
- Wikipedia: Data Center
- Google Search: Facebook data center investment Georgia
- Google Scholar: Facebook data center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Center
- Google News: Facebook data center Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
