As global demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and massive data storage intensifies, a new generation of gigawatt-scale data centers is emerging. These facilities are not only engineering marvels but also strategic digital infrastructure projects that will shape how countries and corporations process and store information.
Here are the top 5 largest data centers currently under construction—each aiming to exceed 1 gigawatt (GW) of power capacity.
Meta’s AI Data Center in Richland Parish, Louisiana
- Capacity: 2 GW
- Developer: Meta
- Purpose: To train Meta’s Llama AI models.
- Highlights:
- Meta’s Largest Data Center Yet
- Renewable Energy Commitment – 1.5GW Clean Power via Geaux Zero
- Lead to massive energy infrastructure upgrades, including:
Meta says this data center will be its 23rd data center in the United States and 27th in the world.
Stargate Data Center – Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Capacity: 1 GW (Phase 1: 200 MW by 2026)
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Developer: G42 & OpenAI (with Oracle and Nvidia partnership)
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Purpose: Dedicated to AI and supercomputing workloads
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Highlights:
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The flagship facility in OpenAI’s global “Stargate” program
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Hosts one of the world’s largest sovereign AI infrastructures
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Strategically located in a region with growing tech investment and energy capacity
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This facility marks the UAE’s bold move to become a global leader in AI infrastructure, powered by strong government backing and deep-pocketed investors.
Neom Oxagon Data Center – Saudi Arabia
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Capacity: Targeting 1.5 GW
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Developer: ZeroPoint DC & Neom
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Purpose: Net-zero, AI-native data center for industrial, cloud, and defense data
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Highlights:
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Part of Saudi Arabia’s futuristic NEOM city
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Renewable-powered, using solar and hydrogen
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Advanced cooling and modular construction design
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This is expected to be one of the largest and greenest hyperscale campuses in the world, central to Saudi Arabia’s digital ambitions.
Haenam (Salaseido) AI Cluster – South Korea
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Capacity: 3 GW (Phase 1: 300 MW by 2028)
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Developer: Government of Jeollanam-do + Private partners
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Purpose: AI research, cloud, sovereign data processing
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Highlights:
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Built in 25 blocks of 40 MW each
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Full completion expected by 2028
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Near the sea, using local renewables and energy-efficient cooling
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This site is part of South Korea’s national plan to decentralize data infrastructure and attract AI industries to underdeveloped regions.
Tsukuba Data Center Campus – Japan
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Capacity: 1 GW (Phase 1: 50 MW by 2026)
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Developer: Goodman Group
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Purpose: Regional hyperscale cloud and AI workloads
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Highlights:
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Located in Tsukuba Science City
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Covers 45 hectares of high-tech, disaster-resistant land
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Serves both Japanese tech companies and global cloud clients
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This project underscores Japan’s renewed focus on digital infrastructure resilience and regional technology leadership.
Gangwon Hyperscale Cluster – South Korea
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Capacity: ~1 GW
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Developer: Private sector + government-backed energy firms
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Purpose: General-purpose cloud, AI, and edge deployments
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Highlights:
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Located near surplus power sources like nuclear and coal
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Power cost efficiencies by selling excess directly to tenants
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Multiple facilities being planned across Gangneung and Donghae
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This effort will help South Korea meet soaring AI compute needs while reducing power transmission costs by localizing data hubs.
Why 1GW Matters
A 1 gigawatt (1,000 MW) data center can:
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Host millions of servers
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Consume power equivalent to a small city
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Cost $5–10 billion+ to build and operate
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Support large-scale AI model training, 5G networks, and global cloud storage
As tech companies and governments compete to build digital sovereignty, gigawatt-scale facilities are becoming strategic infrastructure, not just corporate assets.
