Social media giant Facebook is set to build its 16th global data center in DeKalb, Illinois. The company announced that it will be building the massive facility on a 505-acre piece of land located along Route 23 and Gurler Road just across the city's Chicago West Business Center.
According to its official press release, the company is planning to invest up to $800 million to build a 907,000 square-foot facility on the piece of land. The data center, which will be called the Facebook DeKalb Data Center, will become Facebook's 12th datacenter in the United States.
The city of DeKalb has welcomed Facebook's massive investment given its potential to boost the local economy. Facebook had stated that the facility should provide hundreds of new jobs during its construction and when it eventually goes online. Apart from construction work, Facebook will be offering hundreds of new job positions such as engineers, facility managers, logistics employees, security personal, and datacenter professionals.
DeKalb mayor, Jerry Smith, mentioned in a statement that the city was proud to be the home of Facebook's newest data center. He added that the project will be a boon to the community and he hopes that Facebook's decision will lead to other companies to consider setting up their operations in the city as well.
Facebook's vice-president of Data Center Strategy, Rachel Peterson, stated that there were many factors that were considered before the company had decided on DeKalb to become its new home. She added that the enthusiasm and support of the city of DeKalb and local agencies such as the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation were major factors that eventually led to the decision.
Other factors that led to the decision were DeKalb's close access to renewable energy sources. Peterson explained that the city also had a relatively strong talent pool, which is support by reputable institutions and community partners.
In line with its push for greener operations, Facebook revealed that it will be using the most advanced technologies in the construction and operation of its new facility. The company plans to make the Facebook DeKalb Data Center one of the most energy and water-efficient data facilities in the world.
Facebook revealed that the operation of the new data center will be supported by 100 percent renewable energy sources. Unlike other data centers, the facility will also be using 80 percent less water once it goes online. The company also plans to have the facility fully Gold certified by LEED.
