Meta has selected a site in Louisiana for its largest data center to date. The company signed a deal with Entergy to power the facility with three massive natural gas power plants. A state regulator approved Entergy’s plans yesterday evening.
The power plants are expected to come online in 2028 and 2029. At full strength, they will generate 2.25 gigawatts of electricity. Ultimately, the AI data center could draw 5 gigawatts of power as it expands.
The power plant project has been controversial among Louisianans. One industry-affiliated group is concerned that Meta and Entergy will receive special treatment for a second part of the data center project, which involves building 1.5 gigawatts of solar power across the state. The group was formed by large companies, including Dow Chemical, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, after they struggled to procure renewable power for their own operations.
Another issue is that Meta’s deal with Entergy lasts for 15 years. At least one Louisiana Public Service Commission member expressed concern that ratepayers will take on the cost after the contract expires. Natural gas power plants typically operate for 30 years or more.
Power projects of this size tend to run over budget, and ratepayers are often left with the bill. Ratepayers will also pay for a 550 million dollar transmission line running to the data center.
Meta has been on a renewable power-buying spree, including a 100-megawatt purchase announced this week. However, these natural gas generators will make the company’s 2030 net zero pledge significantly harder to achieve, locking in carbon dioxide emissions for decades to come. To offset the pollution on its balance sheet, Meta will have to buy credits from carbon removal projects.