As noted in a recent announcement from Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, Facebook has chosen to build its next data center in Papillion, Neb., and has pledged that the new facility will be supplied by 100% wind energy from Omaha Public Power District (OPPD).
As reported, the Nebraska facility will be Facebook’s ninth data center overall and sixth in the U.S., providing the infrastructure needed to help support the 1.86 billion people on Facebook monthly. Company officials expect the 970,000-square-foot Papillion campus to be online as early as 2020.
The Papillion site will serve as Facebook’s first location in Nebraska.
“Partnerships like this, with the state, local communities and utilities like OPPD, cannot be overstated when it comes to economic impact for our region,” says OPPD CEO Tim Burke. “By collaborating with one another and looking for solutions that serve the best interests of our entire community, we create tremendous value. For example, OPPD was able to offer an innovative rate solution that would provide flexibility in how companies reach their renewable energy goals. It’s an example of how we work to meet the needs of large customers – particularly those who seek more renewable energy.”
According to the announcement, construction of new wind farms in Nebraska will allow the company to power the facility solely through wind-generated electricity.
“We’re thrilled to have found a home in Nebraska and to embark on this exciting partnership,” says Tom Furlong, vice president of infrastructure at Facebook. “Everything here has been as advertised – from a committed set of community partners and strong pool of talent to the opportunity to power our facility with 100 percent renewable energy. The Cornhusker State is a great place to do business.”
So the electricity is free?