Meta has chosen Louisiana as the location for its largest data center to date, striking an agreement with Entergy to power the massive facility using three natural gas plants. On Tuesday evening, state regulators gave approval to Entergy’s construction plans.
The plants are slated to begin operations in 2028 and 2029, delivering up to 2.25 gigawatts of electricity once fully online. As the data center expands, its demand could eventually reach 5 gigawatts.
The decision has sparked controversy across the state. According to the *Louisiana Illuminator*, an industry-backed coalition has raised concerns about preferential treatment for Meta and Entergy. The coalition — made up of major corporations such as Dow Chemical, Chevron, and ExxonMobil — has argued that the tech company’s associated plan to develop 1.5 gigawatts of solar energy statewide gives it advantages not afforded to other firms seeking renewable power.
Further scrutiny has come from members of the Louisiana Public Service Commission. One commissioner warned that ratepayers may ultimately bear costs once Meta’s 15-year contract with Entergy ends, since natural gas facilities generally remain in operation for three decades or longer.
The Union of Concerned Scientists added that large-scale power projects often exceed budgets, with the public footing the bill. Louisiana customers will also be responsible for funding a \$550 million transmission line connecting the new plants to the Meta data center.
Although Meta has ramped up renewable energy purchases — including a 100-megawatt deal announced earlier this week — reliance on gas-fired plants poses a significant challenge to the company’s 2030 net-zero emissions pledge. To balance its carbon output, Meta will likely need to purchase credits from carbon removal projects.
