Aiken County, September 11, 2025

News Summary

Meta Platforms has revealed plans to invest $800 million in a new data center in Aiken County, South Carolina, expected to become operational by 2027. Situated in Sage Mill Industrial Park, the facility will occupy over 700,000 square feet on a 300-acre site, generating more than 1,000 construction jobs and around 100 permanent positions. The project emphasizes renewable energy through a $100 million solar farm, positioning Aiken County as a future technology hub.

Aiken County, South Carolina to Get $800 Million Data Center by Meta Platforms

Meta Platforms has announced plans to invest $800 million in a new data center in Aiken County, South Carolina, with operations expected to begin in 2027. This significant investment aims to expand Meta’s infrastructure in a region identified for its favorable business environment and available resources.

Details of the Investment

The new data center will be situated in Sage Mill Industrial Park, located in the Graniteville/Vaucluse area. The project will feature two single-story buildings, covering a combined more than 700,000 square feet, on a 300-acre site. The development is anticipated to generate over 1,000 construction jobs during the building phase and around 100 permanent high-tech jobs once the center becomes operational.

Factors Influencing the Decision

Meta’s decision to select Aiken County was influenced by several factors, including affordable land and construction costs, a pro-business climate, and a streamlined development process. The availability of a shovel-ready site was also a significant consideration. Aiken County’s proximity to commercial airports, access to qualified engineering talent, and local universities further contributed to the location’s appeal.

Renewable Energy Commitment

Reliability and cost-effectiveness of power supply were critical in the decision-making process since data centers consume large amounts of electricity. Meta has committed to sourcing its energy from 100% clean and renewable energy projects. To support the energy needs of the new data center, a $100 million solar farm is being developed in Orangeburg County. This solar facility is expected to produce 100 megawatts of power and provide over $8 million in additional tax revenue for local infrastructure, schools, and community initiatives.

Impact on the Local Economy

The investment is characterized as one of the largest private investments in Aiken County’s history and is expected to transform the region into a technology and innovation hub. Local economic development officials plan to leverage this project to attract additional startups and technology companies through the AI Corridor initiative. This strategic push is intended to enhance the area’s profile and spur further economic growth.

Community Collaboration

The success of attracting Meta to Aiken County is attributed to strong collaboration among local leaders and economic development partners. Community leaders believe that Meta’s presence will not only elevate Aiken’s profile but also contribute substantially to the region’s economic landscape.

About the Project

The agreement for the solar farm will ensure that Meta receives all renewable energy credits linked to the solar facility’s production, further enhancing the company’s sustainability efforts. This project represents a significant step forward in positioning Aiken County as a leader in modern technological infrastructure.

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Additional Resources

• WFXG
• Wikipedia: Data Center
• WRDW
• Google Search: Meta data center Aiken County
• Post and Courier
• Google Scholar: Meta data center Aiken County
• Data Center Dynamics
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Data centers
• Energy Tech
• Google News: Meta data center Aiken County

Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY

The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry 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 the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.