Meta Selects Northeast Louisiana as Site of $10 Billion Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center That Will Be Company's Largest in the World

Rhea-AI Summary

Meta announced a $10 billion artificial intelligence data center project in Richland Parish, Louisiana, set to be the company's largest worldwide. The 4 million square foot facility, spanning 2,250 acres, will create 500 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs, with 5,000 construction workers at peak construction through 2030.

The data center will be optimized for Meta's AI workloads, supporting platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Meta commits to match 100% of electricity use with clean and renewable energy, working with Entergy to bring 1,500 MW of new renewable energy to the grid. The company will invest over $200 million in local infrastructure improvements and contribute up to $1 million annually to Entergy's low-income ratepayer support program.

Positive

• Historic $10 billion capital investment in AI data center infrastructure
• Creation of 500 direct and 1,000+ indirect permanent jobs
• 5,000 construction jobs at peak
• $200 million investment in local infrastructure improvements
• Annual contribution of up to $1 million to support low-income ratepayers

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

This $10 billion Meta data center investment represents a significant economic catalyst for Louisiana and Entergy (ETR). The project will drive substantial revenue growth for ETR through increased power demand, requiring new power plants and 1,500 MW of renewable energy infrastructure. The long-term power purchase agreement with a blue-chip customer like Meta provides stable, predictable cash flows that should positively impact ETR's earnings visibility.

The scale of this project - Meta's largest data center globally - will create meaningful rate base growth opportunities for ETR. The company's commitment to match 100% of electricity use with clean energy aligns with ETR's sustainability goals while expanding its renewable portfolio. Additionally, Meta's $1 million annual contribution to the Power to Care program helps offset potential rate impact concerns.

Infrastructure Development Expert

The project's massive scale - 4 million square feet on 2,250 acres - represents a transformative infrastructure development. Meta's $200 million commitment to local infrastructure improvements will significantly upgrade regional capabilities. The power infrastructure requirements are particularly notable, necessitating substantial grid enhancements and new generation capacity.

The facility's AI optimization and hyperscale design places Louisiana at the forefront of next-generation data center architecture. The extended construction timeline through 2030 allows for methodical development while creating sustained economic activity. Water stewardship commitments and renewable energy integration demonstrate advanced sustainability planning essential for modern infrastructure projects.

Economic Development Analyst

This investment marks a pivotal economic development win for Louisiana's tech sector. The creation of 500 direct jobs and 1,000+ indirect jobs will significantly impact the rural Northeast Region's economy. The peak construction workforce of 5,000 workers will drive substantial near-term economic activity.

The project leverages Louisiana's new data center incentive program and Quality Jobs program effectively. Meta's commitment to local sourcing and STEAM education partnerships creates a foundation for long-term workforce development. The investment's scale and Meta's global brand recognition should catalyze additional tech sector investments in the region.

• Project is expected to result in 500 or more direct new jobs, more than 1,000 indirect jobs and 5,000 construction workers at peak.
• Expansive technology campus will occupy 4 million square feet on 2,250 acres in Richland Parish.
• Entergy worked with Meta to address energy needs, and Meta will match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy.

RICHLAND PARISH, La., Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Meta and Louisiana Economic Development (LED) announced a $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in northeast Louisiana, a transformational investment that cements the state's status as a major innovation hub and leader in the global digital revolution. The 4 million square foot data center, to be located in Richland Parish, will be Meta's largest in the world. Construction on the facility is expected to continue through 2030.

Meta projects the data center will support at least 500 direct new jobs in Richland Parish. LED estimates the project will result in the creation of more than 1,000 indirect jobs, for a total of more than 1,500 potential new jobs in the Northeast Region. The company estimates 5,000 construction workers at peak of construction on a 2,250-acre site.

"Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office," Governor Jeff Landry said. "Meta's investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana's rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state's beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future. I thank Meta for their commitment to our state, and to the State Legislature for positioning Louisiana to win this project by passing new tax reform legislation that attracts capital investment and improves Louisiana's business tax climate."

Hyperscaler data centers such as the one planned for Richland Parish are housed in huge physical structures designed to process the vast amounts of data required to support digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads. The facility is the largest of more than 20 Meta data centers around the world. Once operational, the Richland Parish Data Center will be optimized for Meta's AI workloads as part of the highly advanced infrastructure that helps bring Meta's technologies, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads to life.

"Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. And this data center will be an important part of that mission," said Kevin Janda, Meta Director of Data Center Strategy. "Richland Parish in Louisiana is an outstanding location for Meta to call home for a number of reasons. It provides great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners that have helped us move this project forward. We're thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community and are committed to investing in its long-term vitality."

LED expects the project, one of the largest private capital investments in the state's history, to spark new economic activity and investments throughout northeast Louisiana as multiple industries benefit from the billions of dollars invested. Meta makes a concerted effort to source labor and materials locally, and partners with local schools and organizations to advance STEAM education and digital skills that can be used to compete in the digital workforce.

"This project is an example of what Louisiana can accomplish when economic development partners play offense rather than waiting for good projects to come to them," LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. "Louisiana has been actively positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation, with plans to support startups, grow a skilled workforce, and shape forward-thinking policy. Meta's historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI, expand and diversify the state's tech sector, and prove to the world that when Louisiana says that we are ready to compete on the global stage, we mean business."

The company is expected to take advantage of a new Louisiana incentive program, established by Act 730, that offers qualifying projects a state and local sales and use tax rebate on the purchase or lease of data center equipment. The company is also expected to participate in the state's Quality Jobs program.

To power the data center, which at its largest point extends more than one mile from front to back, Entergy will add clean, efficient power plants to its system to meet growing power demands, including from the data center. Meta has pledged to match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy and will be working with Entergy to bring at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy to the grid through its Geaux Zero program. In addition, Meta has committed to contribute up to $1 million a year to Entergy's "The Power to Care" low-income ratepayer support program, a figure that will be matched by Entergy Louisiana.

"This partnership underscores Entergy Louisiana's commitment to powering progress and driving innovation," Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May said. "By supporting this transformational investment, we are not only delivering the energy needed today, but also building the infrastructure that will support a brighter, more sustainable future for all of Louisiana. Together, we're laying the foundation for economic growth that will benefit generations to come. We could not be more proud to play a critical role in this monumental endeavor."

In addition to Meta's commitment to match its electricity usage with clean and renewable energy, the company prioritizes water stewardship in its operations, including minimizing water use at its data centers. Meta has pledged to restore more water than it consumes at this data center by investing in water restoration projects in Louisiana.

To support both the construction and eventual operation of the data center, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has committed $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College to develop programs and expand capacity. Delta will scale up its construction trades programs to meet the initial construction needs, and partner with peer institutions experienced in developing and delivering curricula for data center operations.

Meta expects construction to continue through 2030 with site work beginning in December. The company has also committed to invest more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.

About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com. 

About Entergy Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana, LLC provides electric service to more than 1 million customers in 58 parishes and natural gas service to more than 94,000 customers in Baton Rouge. Entergy Louisiana is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR), a Fortune 500 company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through its operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. It is investing in the reliability, and resilience and growth of the energy system while helping the region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in Louisiana communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship delivering more than $100 million in local economic benefits each year through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at Entergy-Louisiana.com.

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SOURCE Louisiana Economic Development

FAQ

How many jobs will Meta's new Louisiana data center create?

Meta's Louisiana data center will create 500 direct jobs, over 1,000 indirect jobs, and employ 5,000 construction workers at peak construction.

What is the total investment for Meta's new Louisiana AI data center?

Meta is investing $10 billion in the new artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana.

When will Meta's Louisiana data center construction be completed?

Construction of Meta's Louisiana data center is expected to continue through 2030, with site work beginning in December 2024.

How large will Meta's Louisiana data center be?

The data center will occupy 4 million square feet on 2,250 acres in Richland Parish, Louisiana, making it Meta's largest data center worldwide.