The initiative will support Meta’s data center operations in the state and aligns with its broader strategy as one of the world’s largest corporate buyers of renewable energy. The project will be developed in two phases, with full operation expected by 2030.
XGS’s proprietary system bypasses traditional geothermal constraints like water use and geological permeability, enabling electricity generation directly from hot rock. This flexibility positions XGS to unlock previously inaccessible geothermal resources—an increasingly attractive option amid growing AI infrastructure demands and climate concerns.
A recent report by Project InnerSpace, New Mexico Tech, and the state’s Bureau of Geology estimates over 160 GW of untapped geothermal potential in New Mexico. Currently, the state has only one operating geothermal plant. If completed, the Meta-XGS project could multiply the state's geothermal capacity tenfold.
“This partnership exemplifies the kind of scalable, base-load energy solutions needed to decarbonize data centers and support future energy-intensive applications like AI,” said Urvi Parekh, Meta’s Global Head of Energy.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praised the project for its economic and climate benefits, noting its role in strengthening New Mexico’s grid and clean energy leadership.
As the energy sector diversifies, this collaboration underscores geothermal’s growing viability in the U.S. renewable mix—particularly in regions rich in subterranean heat but short on water.
