Meta will fund the construction of seven new natural gas power plants to support its largest data center, currently under development in Louisiana, WSJ reports. This initiative is part of a broader pledge by the company to address rising electricity costs in local communities.
The $27 billion mega data center in Richland Parish will require substantial energy infrastructure. Under a deal with Entergy Louisiana, Meta will finance seven gas plants with a combined output of 5,200 megawatts, as well as 240 miles of transmission lines operating at 500 kilovolts.
Additionally, Meta plans to invest in up to 2,500 megawatts of new renewable energy sources, alongside a memorandum of understanding for future nuclear power development. This project spans 4 million square feet and represents a significant expansion of Meta’s operational capacity.
This energy initiative aligns with pledges from multiple tech companies to mitigate increased electricity costs for residents impacted by AI data centers. Companies have committed to “build, bring or buy” new energy resources while covering their associated costs. However, the pledge is non-binding and lacks enforcement mechanisms.
Local communities have expressed concerns regarding the environmental impact of AI data centers. A December poll found that 60 percent of Americans, including majorities across political affiliations, support increased regulation of AI technology. Recent legislative proposals, including a bill from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, aim to impose a moratorium on data center construction until regulations are established.
