Beale Infrastructure (“Beale”) today announced an ambitious sustainability and community investment initiative tied to its planned data center in Pima County’s Southeast Employment and Logistics Center (SELC). The company will match 100% of the facility’s energy use with renewable energy and invest $15 million in programs that support education, workforce development, and long-term community growth across Pima County.
Beale’s decision to pursue 100% renewable energy represents a major step forward in sustainable infrastructure development. To accomplish this goal, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) will provide energy through a supply agreement while Beale works to accelerate the addition of new renewable energy resources to TEP’s grid—at Beale’s expense—sufficient to match the data center’s total energy consumption. Until these projects come online, the company will fulfill its renewable energy commitment through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).
This initiative will not only reduce the project’s lifetime carbon footprint but also align with Pima County’s Climate Action Plan and regional sustainability objectives by driving new renewable energy generation capacity.
As part of its community investment plan, Beale will launch a $5 million scholarship fund to support STEM education and trade school training, helping to prepare local students and skilled workers for high-demand technical careers. The program aims to strengthen southern Arizona’s talent pipeline and promote equitable economic opportunity.
An additional $10 million will be dedicated over time to community benefit projects developed in collaboration with Pima County leadership. These projects will reflect local priorities and may include digital equity initiatives and fiber infrastructure expansion, delivering long-term value to county residents.
Beale plans to finalize the acquisition of the Pima County property by year-end, with construction expected to begin soon after. The first phase of development will represent a $3.6 billion capital investment, generating $152 million in tax revenue over 10 years—including $58.5 million for Pima County and $93.5 million for the State of Arizona. Construction will create 3,000 jobs, emphasizing local union and trade labor, and the completed facility will support 180 permanent data center jobs by 2029.
Designed for sustainability, the facility will use air-cooled technology, eliminating the need for water in its cooling systems. Water use will be limited to domestic and fire suppression purposes, sourced from an Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR)–approved supply.
Local and regional leaders have voiced strong support for Beale’s commitments.
Beale Infrastructure’s renewable energy and community investments show how economic development projects can extend benefits far beyond capital investment and job creation,” said Joe Snell, president and CEO of The Chamber of Southern Arizona. “Their focus on STEM education and trade training will strengthen our talent ecosystem and enhance Pima County’s competitiveness.”
Union representatives also praised Beale’s commitment to hiring local workers.
This project will create thousands of good-paying, family-sustaining construction jobs across southern Arizona,” said Michael S. Dea of LiUNA Local 1184. “The apprenticeship opportunities will give emerging workers real-world experience and long-term career growth.”
A project of this scale demands precision, skill, and safety—qualities union carpenters bring to every job,” added Fabian Sandez of the Western States Carpenter Union, president of Local 1912. “It’s a chance to build southern Arizona’s future while improving quality of life for local families.”
Brendan Gallagher, senior vice president at Beale, emphasized the company’s holistic approach:
We’re proud to invest in Pima County, support local workforce development, and pursue 100% renewable energy for our first Arizona data center. We believe sustainable growth and community investment must go hand in hand.”
Ted Maxwell, president and CEO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, echoed that sentiment:
Beale’s investment is about more than digital infrastructure—it’s about opportunity. Their workforce initiatives will help grow local STEM talent and strengthen southern Arizona’s innovation economy.”
With these commitments, Beale Infrastructure positions itself as a key contributor to sustainable development, economic opportunity, and technological advancement in southern Arizona.
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About Beale Infrastructure
Beale Infrastructure builds data centers that power our digital lives—responsibly, and in partnership with the communities and utilities that make them possible. We work with the world’s leading technology companies to deliver reliable and sustainable infrastructure that strengthens local economies and connects people for generations to come.
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