Meta triples initial plans, builds 10 gas-fired power plants for AI data center in Louisiana

Meta Platforms Inc. has dramatically expanded its energy strategy for the Hyperion AI data center complex in rural Richland Parish, Louisiana. The company, initially planning three gas-fired power plants, has now partnered with Entergy Corporation to fund and construct an additional seven natural gas facilities, bringing the total to 10 plants. These plants are designed to provide over 7 gigawatts of electricity to Meta's data center, effectively tripling its original power generation plans. Entergy announced on March 27 that this agreement, which awaits approval from state regulators for the seven new plants, would represent a more than 30% increase to Louisiana's entire grid capacity. The 15-year contract also includes Meta's commitment to help fund up to 2.5 gigawatts of new renewable energy resources, 240 miles of new transmission lines, and battery energy storage systems, alongside exploring future nuclear power options. Despite Entergy's claims that Meta will cover its full cost of service and that the agreement could lead to over $2 billion in customer savings, critics are concerned about the environmental implications of increased fossil fuel reliance and the potential for ratepayers to bear costs if Meta's energy needs change after the contract term.