Overview

• Meta announced plans for a $10 billion, 4-million-square-foot AI data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, set to be its largest facility to date.
• The project promises 5,000 temporary construction jobs and 500 permanent positions, aiming to revitalize an economically struggling region with high poverty rates.
• Energy for the facility will come from three new natural gas power plants, raising concerns from environmental groups over greenhouse gas emissions and unproven hydrogen co-firing technology.
• Meta has committed to adding 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy to the grid and exploring nuclear energy options, but specific plans remain unclear.
• Critics warn that Louisiana residents could face increased energy costs if Meta does not renew its energy contract, leaving the state burdened with costly fossil fuel infrastructure.