News Summary
Meta is set to complete a $10 billion AI optimized data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, announced by Governor Jeff Landry. The project, which has already begun construction, is projected to cover about 2,250 acres. Despite local concerns over energy demands and environmental impacts, Meta plans to invest in renewable energy solutions. The project aligns with Meta’s broader technological vision and promises substantial economic implications for the region.
Richland Parish, Louisiana – Meta is moving forward with an artificial intelligence optimized data center in Richland Parish, slated for completion with a budget of $10 billion. The announcement was made by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry at an event on December 4, 2024, fueling both excitement and concern among local residents and stakeholders. Construction has already begun, with trucks frequently seen on the site, located near Holly Ridge, Louisiana, as of July 11, 2025.
Former President Donald Trump has drawn attention to the project during a cabinet meeting, inaccurately claiming the data center’s cost is $50 billion, far exceeding Meta’s official figures. Despite the discrepancy, Trump showcased an image believed to depict the project’s potential scale compared to Manhattan, although the current plans indicate a facility significantly smaller than the New York City borough.
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has expressed intentions to expand the data center dramatically. This expansion is expected to double the facility’s energy consumption as outlined in his public statements on the platform Threads. As of now, the data center is projected to occupy approximately 2,250 acres, which is roughly equivalent to 70 football fields.
Energy Needs and Local Concerns
The data center is anticipated to have substantial energy requirements, leading Entergy, Louisiana’s largest utility, to gain regulatory approval for constructing three new gas-fired electricity plants. There is significant worry among local residents regarding the project’s economic and environmental impacts. Many fear that the facility could increase utility costs for consumers and lead to heightened pollution levels in the region.
Reports indicate that more than a dozen residents have voiced their opposition to the project, raising concerns about potential air, noise, and water pollution, particularly in relation to local agriculture. Critics within organizations such as the Louisiana Energy Users Group, consisting of major corporations like Exxon Mobil and Chevron, have also challenged the data center, stating it could increase the demand on the existing energy grid.
Potential Benefits and Agreements
In response to the concerns, Entergy maintains that the data center will benefit Louisiana, promising that many costs associated with the project will be borne by Meta itself. Meta has also committed to developing 1.5 gigawatts of solar and battery storage as part of its agreement, which aims to mitigate some environmental concerns intertwined with the project’s construction.
The Louisiana Legislature recently passed a law designating natural gas as “green energy,” which may help alleviate some of the criticism directed at the project’s reliance on gas-fired power. However, many local advocates and critics remain uneasy about the implications of such agreements and the precedent they may set for future energy projects. Opponents worry about the long-term effects on energy infrastructure and environmental quality in the region.
Broader Context
This data center aligns with Meta’s broader vision of advancing AI technology through a project known as “Hyperion.” If fully realized, Hyperion could provide energy sufficient for up to 4 million homes. The facility’s potential energy demands have raised fears in the community about exacerbating issues like power outages during peak demands.
Following the announcement of the Meta data center project, Entergy experienced a significant rise in stock prices, highlighting the financial implications associated with such large-scale developments. Despite the support from some local business groups, the construction of the largest data center of its kind in North America continues to generate both local interest and skepticism regarding its long-term consequences for Richland Parish and surrounding areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Bloomberg: Meta’s Louisiana Data Center Cost
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Fortune: Meta Data Center in Louisiana
- Google Search: Meta Data Center Louisiana
- Reuters: Meta’s Planned Louisiana AI Data Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Centers
- NOLA.com: Trump on Louisiana Data Center
- Google News: Meta AI Data Center
- KPLC: Entergy Louisiana Green Light for Meta Data Center
- Google Scholar: Meta AI Data Center
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
