Meta data center needs more than four times New Orleans’ peak power
Meta is building its largest data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, with an expected electricity demand of 4,500 megawatts. Entergy Louisiana is already constructing three gas-powered generators and is seeking approval for seven additional generators to serve the project.
At a Louisiana Public Service Commission hearing, Entergy Louisiana CEO Philip May disclosed that Meta's planned AI data center in Richland Parish will require about 4,500 megawatts of electricity—more than four times the peak demand of New Orleans. Entergy is building three gas-powered generators for the project and is seeking approval for seven more through the commission's fast-track process.
The disclosure came after questioning by attorney Samir Doshi, who represents the Alliance for Affordable Energy and the Union of Concerned Scientists. Much of the hearing evidence remains confidential, and a judge repeatedly ordered journalists out of the proceeding. WWL-TV also observed site preparation work underway at the location where four additional generators are proposed, although regulators have not yet approved the project; May said the work was limited to site preparation.