In the heart of rural Northeast Louisiana, a quiet transformation is underway. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is constructing what promises to be its largest artificial intelligence (AI) data center campus to date in Holly Ridge, Richland Parish. Announced in December 2024, this $10 billion project is set to redefine the region’s economy, energy landscape, and technological footprint.
As of late August 2025, with regulatory hurdles cleared and construction ramping up, the initiative is poised to blend cutting-edge AI infrastructure with local development, though not without debates over power consumption and costs.Holly Ridge, a small unincorporated community in one of Louisiana’s most economically challenged areas, was selected for its strategic advantages: ample land availability, proximity to reliable energy sources, and supportive state incentives. The 2,250-acre site, formerly agricultural land, will host a sprawling 4 million square foot campus designed specifically for AI workloads, including training advanced models like Meta’s Llama series.
Governor Jeff Landry hailed the investment as “a new chapter for our state,” emphasizing how it positions Louisiana as an emerging hub for tech innovation in the South.
The project aligns with Meta’s global expansion of data centers, now totaling 27 worldwide, and underscores the surging demand for AI computing power amid the tech industry’s race to dominate generative AI technologies.At the core of the project is its massive scale. The campus is projected to consume over 2 gigawatts (GW) of power at full build-out—equivalent to the energy needs of millions of households or roughly three times the annual electricity usage of New Orleans.
This has thrust Entergy Louisiana, the state’s primary utility provider, into a pivotal role. Entergy has committed to supplying the necessary infrastructure, including new power plants and transmission lines, to meet these demands. In a significant update, on August 20, 2025, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) approved Entergy’s $5 billion-plus plan in a 4-1 vote, fast-tracking the construction of three natural gas-fired plants: two in Richland Parish near the data center and one in St. Charles Parish.
These combined-cycle combustion turbines, totaling about 2,260 megawatts (MW), are slated to come online between 2028 and 2029, ensuring reliable power for the AI operations.Entergy’s involvement extends beyond mere supply. Through its Geaux Zero program, the utility is collaborating with Meta to integrate at least 1.5 GW of new renewable energy into the grid, aiming to match the data center’s electricity use with 100% clean sources.
This includes a 100 MW solar power purchase agreement with RWE, expected to go live in 2025.
Meta has also pledged up to $1 million annually to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” program for low-income ratepayers, matched by the utility.
However, the plan has sparked controversies. Critics, including the Alliance for Affordable Energy and the Union of Concerned Scientists, argue that the gas plants’ 40-year lifespan far exceeds Meta’s 15-year contract, potentially burdening other customers with billions in costs if the tech giant departs.
Environmental groups highlight the fossil fuel dependency, warning of increased emissions and grid strain, while industrial users fear higher electricity rates. Despite these concerns, Entergy maintains that Meta will cover all incremental costs during the contract, and the infrastructure will enhance overall grid reliability, allowing the retirement of older, less efficient plants.
Construction timelines remain on track as of August 2025. Site preparation began in December 2024, with full-scale building expected to continue through 2030.
Meta has already invested over $200 million in local infrastructure, including upgrades to roads and water systems in Richland Parish.
Water usage, a critical issue in data center operations for cooling, is addressed through Meta’s commitment to restore more water than consumed via local restoration projects.
The campus design incorporates up to nine buildings, optimized for energy efficiency and AI-specific hardware.Economically, the project is a boon for Holly Ridge and surrounding areas. It is anticipated to create 5,000 construction jobs at peak, followed by 500 direct permanent positions and over 1,000 indirect roles in operations, maintenance, and supply chains.
Richland Parish, with a median household income well below the national average, is experiencing a surge in activity. Land prices have skyrocketed, with speculators paying 20 to 30 times pre-announcement values.
New developments include three hotels, a Dollar General, and tripled business permits.
Housing initiatives are underway to accommodate the influx of workers, with efforts in May 2025 focusing on temporary and long-term options.
The Louisiana Community and Technical College System has allocated $250,000 to Delta Community College for training programs in construction and data center operations, preparing locals for high-paying tech jobs.
State incentives have played a key role in securing the deal. Meta is leveraging Act 730, a new law offering sales and use tax rebates on data center equipment, alongside the Quality Jobs program.
Governor Landry’s administration pulled out all stops, including expedited permitting and infrastructure support, to outcompete other states.
Yet, a June 2025 CNBC analysis questioned the long-term value, noting Louisiana’s concessions on taxes and energy could cost billions, with benefits concentrated in a small area while risks are statewide.
Looking ahead, the data center’s opening phases are targeted for the late 2020s, with full operations by 2030.
It will bolster Meta’s AI ambitions, powering innovations in machine learning and virtual reality. For Louisiana, it represents a shift from traditional industries like agriculture and oil to tech-driven growth, potentially attracting more hyperscale investments. However, ongoing monitoring of energy costs and environmental impacts will be crucial. As one local official noted, “In 10 years, you’re not going to recognize Richland Parish.”
The project embodies the double-edged sword of AI expansion: immense opportunity shadowed by sustainability challenges.As construction progresses, stakeholders from Entergy to local communities are adapting to this high-tech influx. With the PSC’s recent approval removing a major barrier, the focus shifts to execution. Meta’s Holly Ridge facility not only highlights Louisiana’s evolving role in the digital economy but also sets a precedent for how rural America can harness AI for prosperity—provided the balance between innovation and responsibility is maintained.
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References for the Meta AI Data Center ArticleBelow is a compiled list of key sources referenced in the article. I’ve numbered them sequentially for clarity, drawing from reliable web sources that align with the facts presented (e.g., project announcements, energy plans, economic impacts, and updates as of August 2025). Each entry includes the title, publication date (where available), a brief description of relevance, and the URL.
- Meta Selects Northeast Louisiana as Site of $10 Billion Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center; Governor Jeff Landry Calls Investment a New Chapter for State
Published: December 3, 2024
Relevance: Official announcement of the $10 billion project, site details, and Governor Landry’s quotes.
URL: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/news/meta-selects-northeast-louisiana-as-site-of-10-billion-artificial-intelligence-optimized-data-center-governor-jeff-landry-calls-investment-a-new-chapter-for-state - Meta – LED | Louisiana Economic Development
Published: January 9, 2025
Relevance: Confirmation of the AI-optimized data center selection and state incentives.
URL: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/metadatacenter - Meta plans $5bn data center campus in Louisiana – DCD
Published: August 19, 2025
Relevance: Links to Entergy’s proposed gas plants and project scale.
URL: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/meta-plans-5bn-data-center-campus-in-louisiana/ - Meta Sees $10B AI Data Center in Louisiana Using Combo of Clean Energy, Nuclear Power | Data Center Frontier
Published: December 11, 2024
Relevance: Details on energy mix, including clean energy commitments.
URL: https://www.datacenterfrontier.com/hyperscale/article/55248311/meta-sees-10b-ai-data-center-in-louisiana-using-combo-of-clean-energy-nuclear-power - What’s next for Meta’s giant Louisiana data center project? Here’s what you need to know.
Published: July 23, 2025
Relevance: Overview of electricity needs, jobs, and economic benefits.
URL: https://www.nola.com/news/environment/louisiana-meta-data-centers-environment-energy-ai-tech/article_0ca1a084-f046-4a30-87d0-85920ccce527.html - Meta announces 4 million sq ft, 2GW Louisiana data center campus – DCD
Published: August 20, 2025
Relevance: Confirmation of campus size (4 million sq ft) and power consumption (2 GW).
URL: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/meta-announces-4-million-sq-ft-louisiana-data-center-campus/ - Landry Announces Meta Selects North Louisiana as Site of $10 Billion Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center | Office of Governor Jeff Landry
Published: December 3, 2024
Relevance: Governor’s office press release on the investment as a “game changer.”
URL: https://gov.louisiana.gov/news/4697 - Plan to power Meta’s massive Louisiana data center challenged. What could it mean for the project?
Published: February 17, 2025
Relevance: Discussion of Entergy’s gas plant requests and opposition from advocacy groups.
URL: https://www.nola.com/news/environment/meta-ai-entergy-environment-louisiana-electricity/article_d2d2e084-ed48-11ef-a351-87af9de78056.html - Meta’s $10B AI Data Center Brings Jobs to the South – CRE Daily
Published: April 1, 2025
Relevance: Economic impacts, jobs, and cost concerns.
URL: https://www.credaily.com/briefs/metas-10b-ai-data-center-brings-jobs-and-controversy-to-the-south/ - Meta to build $10 billion AI data center in Louisiana as Elon Musk expands his Tennessee AI facility
Published: December 10, 2024
Relevance: Broader context of AI data center expansions.
URL: https://apnews.com/article/musk-meta-artificial-intelligence-data-center-1cf320ad4d50bff8d3fac4d0535a0004 - To land Meta’s massive $10 billion data center, Louisiana pulled out all the stops. Will it be worth it?
Published: June 25, 2025
Relevance: CNBC analysis on state concessions, taxes, and long-term value.
URL: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/25/meta-massive-data-center-louisiana-cost-jobs-energy-use.html - Meta selects Entergy, Northeast Louisiana as site of $10B data center
Published: December 3, 2024
Relevance: Entergy’s role in powering the center.
URL: https://www.entergynewsroom.com/news/meta-selects-northeast-louisiana-as-site-10-billion-data-center/ - Meta to Build $10B AI Data Center in Northeast Louisiana by 2030
Published: December 5, 2024
Relevance: Timeline for full operations by 2030.
URL: https://www.hpcwire.com/off-the-wire/meta-to-build-10b-ai-data-center-in-northeast-louisiana-by-2030/ - Plan to power Meta’s huge Louisiana data center heads for approval — far earlier than expected
Published: August 21, 2025
Relevance: PSC approval details, concerns from advocates, and safeguards.
URL: https://www.nola.com/news/environment/meta-entergy-louisiana-ai-electricity/article_e39ac47f-39e8-454b-8d26-adf05341d0eb.html - ‘A Black Hole of Energy Use’: Meta’s Massive AI Data Center Is Stressing Out a Louisiana Community
Published: June 23, 2025
Relevance: Community impacts, power bill concerns, and local developments.
URL: https://www.404media.co/a-black-hole-of-energy-use-metas-massive-ai-data-center-is-stressing-out-a-louisiana-community/ - AI Data Center Announcement In Holly Ridge, Louisiana
Published: July 25, 2025
Relevance: Economic growth, energy demands, and environmental concerns.
URL: https://www.hereneworleans.com/meta-ai-data-center-holly-ridge/ - Multibillion-Dollar Data Center Could Burnish La.’s Tech Rep
Published: November 20, 2024
Relevance: Potential for 300-500 jobs and tech hub status.
URL: https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/multi-billion-dollar-data-center-could-burnish-la-s-tech-rep - Entergy’s plan to power Meta’s massive Louisiana data center faces new scrutiny
Published: March 26, 2025
Relevance: Hearings on gas plants and advocacy challenges.
URL: https://www.nola.com/news/environment/louisiana-meta-ai-data-center-electricity-environment-energy-entergy/article_bd84eae2-9acf-4a26-8426-618b21091c9c.html - Meta is sinking $10 billion into Louisiana to build its wildest AI aspirations, setting the template for the grid buildout | Fortune
Published: August 24, 2025
Relevance: Power demands (2 GW equivalent), PSC approval on August 20, 2025, and grid implications.
URL: https://fortune.com/2025/08/24/meta-data-center-rural-louisiana-framework-ai-power-boom/ - Meta, Entergy clear first hurdles for massive AI data center in Louisiana
Published: November 20, 2024
Relevance: Regulatory progress and next steps.
URL: https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2024/11/20/facebook-parent-meta-and-entergy-clear-first-regulatory-hurdles-for-massive-louisiana-data-center/76448305007/ - Louisiana Public Service Commission approves Entergy power plants for Meta AI data center in Richland Parish
Published: August 20, 2025
Relevance: 4-1 vote approval for three gas plants (2,260 MW).
URL: https://www.kplctv.com/2025/08/21/entergy-la-gets-green-light-plant-power-metas-ai-data-center/ - Entergy’s plan to power new Meta data center gets regulatory approval | WRKF
Published: August 20, 2025
Relevance: Approval for the world’s largest data center for Meta.
URL: https://www.wrkf.org/2025-08-20/entergys-plan-to-power-new-meta-data-center-gets-regulatory-approval - Meta’s Louisiana data center could provoke outages, advocates say. Entergy says safeguards in place.
Published: June 7, 2025
Relevance: Risks to grid reliability and public safeguards.
URL: https://www.nola.com/news/environment/meta-facebook-electricity-entergy-ai-data-center-louisiana-environment/article_25cea1f3-e8ad-4cd6-be92-ddbe0a4cb595.html - Entergy Louisiana gains regulatory approval for massive Meta data center project in Richland Parish
Published: August 20, 2025
Relevance: Approval for $800M (initial phase) data center and gas plants.
URL: https://www.wafb.com/2025/08/20/entergy-gains-regulatory-approval-massive-meta-power-project/ - Entergy Louisiana to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish
Published: December 4, 2024
Relevance: Infrastructure investments and economic transformation.
URL: https://www.entergynewsroom.com/news/entergy-louisiana-power-meta-s-data-center-in-richland-parish/ - Meta to Open $10B AI Data Center in Louisiana
Published: December 10, 2024
Relevance: Largest of Meta’s 20 data centers.
URL: https://aibusiness.com/generative-ai/meta-to-open-10b-ai-data-center-in-louisiana - Louisiana Greenlights Meta’s $10 Billion AI Data Center Amid Energy Concerns
Published: August 21, 2025
Relevance: Approval process, environmental risks, and construction updates.
URL: https://www.ainvest.com/news/louisiana-greenlights-meta-10-billion-ai-data-center-energy-concerns-2508/ - Entergy Louisiana Eyes 2.2 GW of New Gas-Fired Generation to Support Data Center Demand
Published: November 19, 2024
Relevance: Plans for 2.2 GW gas generation.
URL: https://www.powermag.com/entergy-louisiana-eyes-2-2-gw-of-new-gas-fired-generation-to-support-data-center-demand/ - Meta’s big Louisiana data center has united these two opposing groups. What’s behind it?
Published: July 30, 2025
Relevance: Unusual alliances between environmental groups and oil companies over the power plan.
URL: https://www.nola.com/news/business/meta-entergy-facebook-louisiana-data-center-ai-electricity-environment/article_8126e7f6-66b6-4021-aded-814cd99d15ba.html