The recently announced partnership between Meta Platforms Inc. and XGS Energy is a great example. Collectively, they plan to create a pioneering geothermal energy project in New Mexico. This program will strengthen the state’s energy resiliency and infrastructure. It’s particularly timely as Meta continues to grow its data center footprint in the area. The partnership will have a profound impact on producing more clean energy. It seeks to catch up to the increasing demand from the rise of artificial intelligence and data processing.
Urvi Parekh, global head of energy at Meta added that the availability of reliable energy sources was critical to supporting the company’s expanding infrastructure. She remarked, “Advances in AI require continued energy to support infrastructure development.” As technology enterprises become more reliant on data hubs, this geothermal development project strikes right to the core of Meta’s sustainability efforts. It improves energy efficiency.
Project Overview and Impact
The ambitious geothermal project would help New Mexico significantly increase its electricity generation from geothermal energy. Yet projections indicate that output has the potential to grow ten times. Yet the state only currently operates a single geothermal power plant. This new federal initiative is going to push it to the forefront of US geothermal energy production. Deployment of XGS technology will enable the project to tap into some of the country’s most advantageous hot rock resources. This new idea creates wonderful prospects for area growth.
Meta’s new data center in New Mexico will receive strong benefits from this geothermal tech. This new model of artistry, sustainability, and climate preparedness will plug right into the PNM electric grid. The electricity produced will be used to support Meta’s large computing needs. Milagro will inject clean, water-free power into the larger New Mexico energy market.
Timeline and Future Phases
That one-of-a-kind, ambitious project is expected to take shape over two phases. That first, smaller phase and a larger second phase are scheduled to come online by 2030. This timeline reflects the growing urgency of establishing sustainable energy solutions that can support escalating energy demands from tech companies like Meta.
Josh Prueher, CEO of XGS Energy, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “We’re pleased to support Meta’s ambitious AI objectives and accelerate access to new round-the-clock power supplies.” This collaboration represents XGS Energy’s deep commitment to innovation. More importantly, it spotlights how essential cooperation has been to developing and deploying these emerging renewable energy technologies.
New Mexico as an Emerging Energy Hub
New Mexico is rapidly emerging as a data center development darling. Its abundant natural resources and favorable physical and legal environment for renewable energy development are driving this boom. The collaboration between Meta and XGS Energy exemplifies how strategic partnerships can leverage the state’s geothermal potential while meeting the rising energy requirements of modern technology.
Meta has been moving quickly to expand its footprint in newly-New Mexico. We see this geothermal project as one of the first milestones on the road to a sustainable energy future. It tracks with both companies’ mutual aspiration to continue reducing net carbon emissions and accelerating the world’s transition to net zero.