Green Light by Louisiana Paves Way for Natural Gas Expansion to Power Meta’s Massive Data Center

Meta Platforms Inc.’s intention to build the largest data center (to date) in the United States has taken a giant leap after Louisiana approved a landmark agreement allowing an Entergy Inc. subsidiary to build three combined-cycle natural gas generators, two of which would fuel the site.

The green light by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) in a 4-1 vote paves the way for Entergy Louisiana to ramp up infrastructure investments tied to Meta’s proposed project in Richland Parish. The transformative project, linked to ubiquitous artificial intelligence (AI) growth, was first disclosed by Entergy last October. Total capacity is estimated at 2,260 MW.

The LPSC decision, coming earlier than anticipated, “is a critical step toward ensuring the long-term reliability and affordability of electric service for all of our customers,” Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May said. “These investments will help power one of the most advanced data centers in the world and will also reinforce our grid, create economic opportunity and support a more sustainable energy future across Louisiana.