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Meta Clears First Steps for $10 Billion Louisiana AI Data Center

Author

Alicia Shapiro
November 22, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

A futuristic concept image of Meta's planned $10 billion AI data center in Holly Ridge, Louisiana. The scene shows a modern, expansive data center surrounded by lush greenery. Overlaying the image are AI and cloud computing icons, symbolizing innovation. Power plants are visible in the background, representing Entergy's $3.2 billion commitment to energy infrastructure. The design reflects economic development and the integration of technology in a rural setting.

Image Source: ChatGPT-4o

Meta Clears First Steps for $10 Billion Louisiana AI Data Center

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has taken a significant step toward building a massive AI-powered data center in Holly Ridge, Louisiana. On Wednesday, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a request from utility company Entergy to hire consultants and attorneys to aid in their application to build three new power plants to power the data center.

The data center, with an estimated investment exceeding $10 billion, will be located at the state-owned 1,440-acre Franklin Farms Megasite, just east of Monroe.

Entergy has proposed investing an additional $3.2 billion to construct three natural gas power plants—two near the data center in Richland Parish and one north of Baton Rouge—to ensure adequate electricity supply.

Economic Impact

The data center project is poised to significantly impact Northeast Louisiana:

  • Job Creation: Meta is expected to generate 500 permanent jobs with average salaries exceeding $80,000.

  • Local Economy Boost: Commissioner Foster Campbell, whose PSC District 5 covers northern Louisiana, called the project a “godsend” for the region, signaling long-term economic growth and opportunities.

  • Potential Expansion: Campbell expressed optimism about the project’s future, saying, “I think it will expand.”

Regulatory Progress

The Louisiana PSC, which oversees monopoly utilities, unanimously approved Entergy’s initial request to hire consultants for the project. The commission’s approval allows Entergy to fast-track regulatory reviews, aiming for final approval of the power plants by October 2025.

District 4 Commissioner Mike Francis also voiced strong support for the project, highlighting its significance for the region’s growth.

What This Means

Meta’s AI data center represents a major technological and economic development for Louisiana, particularly for Northeast and Northwest regions. If realized, the project would not only bring high-paying tech jobs but also establish Louisiana as a hub for cutting-edge AI infrastructure.

The combination of Meta’s $10 billion investment and Entergy’s $3.2 billion commitment to power infrastructure underscores the scale and significance of the initiative. As approvals advance, the project could serve as a blueprint for future collaborations between big tech and state utilities.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.