Gas power plants approved for Meta’s $10B data center, and not everyone is happy
Meta’s plan to construct its largest data center in Louisiana is moving ahead after state regulators approved Entergy’s proposal to build three natural gas power plants. The decision was finalized Tuesday night.
The plants are expected to begin operations in 2028 and 2029 and generate 2.25 gigawatts. The data center’s projected future demand could reach 5 gigawatts.
The project has been met with criticism. The *Louisiana Illuminator* reported that an industry alliance of firms like ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, and Chevron fears Meta and Entergy will benefit unfairly from a related solar initiative to install 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy across Louisiana.
Regulators have voiced similar apprehensions. With Meta’s contract lasting only 15 years, one Public Service Commission member warned consumers could be left paying once the deal expires, as gas plants typically last over 30 years.
The Union of Concerned Scientists noted that large-scale projects often exceed budgets, leaving ratepayers responsible for overruns. Customers are also on the hook for a \$550 million transmission line to the site.
While Meta continues investing in renewable energy — announcing a 100-megawatt addition this week — reliance on gas power complicates its pledge to hit net-zero emissions by 2030. The company will likely depend on carbon offsets to balance emissions.
