Meta’s plans for its largest data center in Louisiana have stirred controversy after state regulators approved Entergy’s proposal to power the facility with three massive natural gas plants.
The plants, expected to go online in 2028 and 2029, will generate 2.25 gigawatts of electricity, though Meta’s AI data center could eventually consume 5 gigawatts as it expands.
Industry groups have voiced concerns that Meta may receive special treatment for a second phase of the project, which includes building 1.5 gigawatts of solar power across the state. The coalition raising concerns includes major corporations like Dow Chemical, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, which say they’ve struggled to secure renewable power for their own operations.
Another point of contention is the length of Meta’s 15-year deal with Entergy. Louisiana regulators warn that once the contract expires, ratepayers may bear the financial burden of operating plants that typically last 30 years or more. The Union of Concerned Scientists also notes that projects of this size often run over budget, leaving ratepayers with additional costs, including a $550 million transmission line for the data center.
Related: Meta Buys AI Voice Startup, WaveForms, to Boost Superintelligence Labs
Meta has been ramping up renewable energy purchases, such as a recent 100-megawatt deal, but reliance on new natural gas plants threatens its pledge to reach net zero by 2030. To balance emissions, the company will likely need to purchase costly carbon removal credits.
