Meta Comes to Minnesota: $800M Data Center Bringing Jobs, Renewable Energy Boom to Rosemount
It’s official – the Twin Cities metro area will soon be home to a massive new Meta data center campus! In an announcement made earlier today, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp unveiled plans to construct an $800 million, 715,000 square foot facility in the south metro suburb of Rosemount.
This is hugely exciting news for the region and state of Minnesota. Let’s dive into what this cutting-edge project will mean for our communities:
Creating High-Quality Tech Jobs by the Hundreds
When operational in 2026, the Rosemount Data Center will directly employ around 100 individuals in well-paying operational roles. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Construction of the facility itself is expected to require a staggering 1,000 skilled trade workers at peak construction over the next couple years. From electrical work to operating heavy machinery, these will be outstanding job opportunities for Minnesota’s superb building trades workers.
Energizing the Local Economy and Tax Base
Beyond the influx of tech professionals and tradespeople, the data center is projected to be an economic catalyst for Rosemount and the broader metro area. Hundreds of millions in new tax revenues, permits, construction supply purchases, hospitality spending and more will provide a major financial jolt.
“This $800 million investment will undoubtedly shape the future of our city and bring about positive change and opportunities to our community,” said an elated Rosemount Mayor Jeff Weisensel.
Meta has also committed to investing in local schools, nonprofits and STEM education programs.
Powering Up with Renewable Energy
In keeping with Meta’s corporate sustainability goals, the hyper-scale Rosemount campus will be supported entirely by renewable energy from wind, solar and other clean sources. The project is expected to spur new utility-scale renewable electricity projects across the state.
“As a leader in the energy transition, we share Meta’s commitment to clean energy,” commented Ryan Long, president of utility Xcel Energy’s Minnesota operations. “We are excited to work with Meta to bring energy upgrades to UMore Park, including new transmission lines, that will provide the reliable energy supply needed to power this data center.”
A Resounding Win for Minnesota’s Tech Economy
For our state leaders, this was a pivotal recruitment win and statement about Minnesota’s standing as a top destination for innovative, forward-looking companies. Governor Tim Walz exclaimed:
“Minnesota is excited to welcome Meta to Rosemount – a win for our state that will bring dozens of jobs and invigorate the local economy. Today’s announcement is a testament to our commitment to making Minnesota a top state for business, innovation, and investment in our workforce.”
Echoing that sentiment, leaders from the Department of Employment and Economic Development and Greater MSP partnership reinforced how the data center solidifies Minnesota’s place at the forefront of cutting-edge technology industries primed for major growth:
“Meta’s decision illustrates we have world-class infrastructure, a tech-savvy workforce and an innovative spirit that makes Minnesota the perfect place to do business,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek.
“This data center is part of the advanced technology industries we’re creating that will power AI tools for problem-solving in fields like medicine, agriculture and sustainable energy,” added Greater MSP CEO Peter Frosch.
With its blend of high-skilled labor, robust infrastructure, renewable energy leadership and cooperative public-private partnerships, Minnesota was an obvious choice for Meta as it maps out its global data center strategy and AI infrastructure backbone. We extend a huge congratulations and warm welcome!
This could be just the start of an exciting new era for the Twin Cities as an emergent tech powerhouse. If today’s news is any indication, we may see other major players following Meta’s footsteps before long. Game on!
