Facebook announced today they are breaking ground on a half a billion dollar datacenter in the hills of North Carolina. Sound familiar? Apple has one billion dollar facility nearby with construction started on another next door, with space for another across the street. What is it about North Carolina that makes it so attractive to hosting server farms?
According to North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue, the construction is expected to generate 250 jobs during the 18-month building phase. Once that is complete, Facebook expects to have 35-45 employees and contractors working at the site.
“We are proud that Facebook chose to make North Carolina a ‘friend.’ The feeling is certainly mutual,” said Gov. Perdue.
The new building will be built to LEED Gold standards, and is expected to be one of the most energy efficient datacenters in the United States. Facebook is currently constructing a similar facility in Oregon that will feature environmentally friendly features like evaporative cooling systems and power distribution systems.