Business
February 12, 2026
The Meta Indiana data center construction officially began on February 11, 2026, with a groundbreaking ceremony in Lebanon, marking a $10 billion investment in AI infrastructure. The Meta Indiana data center will deliver 1 gigawatt of electrical capacity across a 4 million square foot campus, making it one of the company’s largest infrastructure projects to date. The facility is expected to become operational by late 2027 or early 2028.
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Meta’s Indiana Data Center and Its 1GW AI Infrastructure Expansion Strategy
Economic Impact and Infrastructure Development
The Meta Indiana data center represents the company’s second major project in the state, following an $800 million facility in Jeffersonville. At peak construction, the site will support more than 4000 construction jobs and create approximately 300 permanent operational positions. Meta plans to invest over $120 million in local infrastructure improvements, including water resources and road upgrades.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun stated:
“Indiana has the business-first environment and the central location needed to support the global infrastructure of tomorrow’s economy. Meta’s significant investment in Indiana is a testament to our workforce and to our communities that will power its growth and its future here in Lebanon.”
Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry had this to say:
“We are proud to welcome Meta to Lebanon’s LEAP Research and Innovation District. By choosing Lebanon, Meta is not only investing in our community but is also strengthening the critical digital infrastructure that powers the modern world.”
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AI Strategy and Sustainability Commitments
The Meta Indiana data center aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s AI-first strategy, supporting the company’s projected $135 billion capital expenditure for 2026. The gigawatt-scale facility provides flexibility to handle both AI workloads and core social media operations across Meta’s platforms.
Meta commits to powering the Meta Indiana data center with 100% renewable energy and achieving LEED Gold certification. The facility will use a water-efficient closed-loop, liquid-cooled system and restore 100% of consumed water to local watersheds. Additionally, Meta will provide $1 million annually for 20 years to the Boone REMC Community Fund for energy bill assistance.
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Rachel Peterson, Meta’s vice president of data centers, explained that the Lebanon campus ranks among the company’s largest investments, alongside facilities in Louisiana and Ohio. The project is positioned within the LEAP Research and Innovation District, a technology-focused development area in central Indiana.
