Meta Details Data Center Cooling and Utility-Cost Practices
Meta’s October explainer describes closed-loop cooling, utility planning and its approach to paying for data-center infrastructure.
Meta published an October 8 explainer describing how its data centers use cooling water, plan electric service and support construction and operating jobs. The article is company-authored and should be read as Meta’s account of its own practices, not an industry-wide audit.
Meta distinguishes air-cooled facilities from AI-optimized closed-loop liquid systems that recirculate a water-and-glycol mixture. It says withdrawals are permitted and metered and that closed-loop designs are favored in water-stressed areas.
On electricity, Meta says it pays energy bills and funds new or upgraded infrastructure needed to serve its facilities, working with utilities before a site opens. It cites its Louisiana arrangement with Entergy as including protections for existing customers. Contract terms, rate impacts and water balances require project-specific regulatory review.
Official source · Source reviewed October 21, 2026.