What El Paso should expect from Meta’s Data Center

As Meta’s new commercials say, “the future is for everyone.” El Pasoans should have a say in our future when it comes to Meta’s plans to build a new data center. This is an opportunity to strengthen our community through lower electric bills, more reliable utility service, and local job creation.

Below is a five-point investment plan that Meta should bring to El Paso in exchange for permission to build its data center.

Invest $1 billion in the homes closest to the data center

The people closest to the proposed data center should benefit the most. Meta should set aside $100,000 in the following home upgrades for the 10,000 homeowners closest to their data center. This would include:

• $22,000 for air-source heat pump to efficiently heat and cool homes
• $20,000 for 27kWh battery storage 
• $16,000 for 8kW solar (about 20 panels)
• $15,000 for double-pane windows
• $8,000 for rainwater harvesting and storage
• $7,000 for water purification
• $2,000 for insulation
• $10,000 for contingency expenses to cover roof and/or electrical upgrades

Invest $1 billion for water utility infrastructure

Limited water supply in the desert and aging water infrastructure jeopardize public health in El Paso. The following investments would make for a healthier community:

• Replace aging water treatment plants and pipelines
• Stormwater systems to efficiently direct stormwater and prevent flooding
• Connect water and sewage service to underserved areas
• Replenish water to local reservoirs by restoring aquifers, wetlands, and improving local stream health
• Expand rebate programs for installing rainwater harvesting, efficient appliances, and laundry-to-landscape options

Invest $1 billion for multi-family housing and renters

Meta’s investment in El Paso should also alleviate El Paso’s housing crunch and reach residents who are renters. They can meet our community by building multi-family housing and making the following investments:

• Multi-family housing construction with:
  • Solar carports
  • Battery Storage
  • EV charging
  • Water purification
  • Rainwater harvesting
• Distribute to renters:
  • Plug-in batteries
  • Plug-in solar panels
  • Smart thermostats
  • Water purification

Invest $2 billion in utility-scale solar and battery storage

Instead of the contemplated McCloud power generation plan, Meta should honor the Sun City by powering its data center with clean, solar energy. Utility-scale solar, paired with the battery storage is the quickest, lowest-cost way to bring this capacity online.

This would allow us to generate electricity during the day and store it for use in the evening or during times of high demand on the grid. Meta should invest in utility-scale solar and battery storage with:

• 1 GW of solar generation
• 30 GWh of battery storage capacity
• 300 MW power output (greater than output of EPE’s Newman power plant)
• 100-hour discharge capacity
• 20 year expected lifespan

Invest $1 billion for workforce training and solar on City of El Paso buildings

Providing training and development for our local workforce is an excellent way for Meta to show its commitment to El Paso. Meta should also partner with local government to implement the City’s Climate Action Plan and provide:

• Workforce education programs
• Solar and batteries on critical local government facilities
• Energy audits and batteries on all government buildings
• Incentives for residential and commercial solar and battery storage installations