Meta orders 10 gas-fired power plants for its Hyperion AI campus in rural Louisiana—more than triple the initial plan

Meta is drastically increasing the scale of its Hyperion AI data center complex in rural Richland Parish, Louisiana, by ordering ten new gas-fired power plants to meet its energy demands. This expansion, which now includes a total of 7.5 gigawatts of capacity from the new plants, along with up to 2.5 gigawatts of renewable energy, represents a more than 30% increase to Louisiana's entire power grid capacity. The agreement with New Orleans-based Entergy, announced March 27, involves Meta financing and building seven new plants, in addition to three previously approved, with an estimated cost of nearly $11 billion for the power plants alone. Initially announced as a $10 billion investment for a 2,250-acre campus, Meta quietly acquired an additional 1,400 acres, bringing the total to 3,650 acres. The company also entered a joint venture with Blue Owl Capital for up to $27 billion in total development costs for the multi-phase AI hub. Meta Vice President for Data Centers, Rachel Peterson, emphasized the project's role in future AI innovation and stated that Meta's power costs would not be shifted to other Entergy consumers. The Louisiana Public Service Commission's approval is still required for the new projects, though the initial three power plants received regulatory authorization last year. Entergy President and CEO Phillip May stated the agreement reflects long-term growth and value, strengthening reliability and supporting economic development. While Entergy maintains Meta will cover the costs, critics voice concerns that ratepayers could be responsible for the bill after the 15-year contractual terms expire if Meta's power needs change.