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Meta has announced plans to construct a $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, marking a significant investment aimed at enhancing the state’s technological infrastructure and job market. This development is expected to create over 500 direct jobs, with Georgia Economic Development (LED) estimating more than 1,000 indirect positions, culminating in upward of 5,000 construction jobs during peak activity. Situated on a 2,250-acre site formerly known as Franklin Farm, the expansive technology campus will span 4 million square feet.

Governor Jeff Landry heralded this investment as a key moment for Louisiana. “Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter,” he stated. “Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector.” The project comes on the heels of new tax reform legislation aimed at attracting capital investment and improving the state’s business tax climate.

Meta’s data center will represent the largest of its kind among the more than 20 Meta facilities worldwide. The design targets significant data processing capacities, catering to the rising demands of artificial intelligence workloads. Kevin Janda, Meta’s Director of Data Center Strategy, noted the advantages of Richland Parish, including robust infrastructure access and a reliable energy grid. “We’re thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community and are committed to investing in its long-term vitality,” Janda affirmed.

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Entergy Louisiana will collaborate with Meta to accommodate its growing energy needs through the establishment of new power plants. The utility will focus on adding clean and efficient energy sources, projecting to introduce at least 1,500 MW of renewable energy via the Geaux Zero program. Meta is committed to matching its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable sources and will also contribute $1 million annually to Entergy’s low-income support programs.

To bolster its workforce, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System has committed $250,000 in workforce funding to Delta Community College. This funding will enhance programs in construction trades and data center operations, directly addressing training needs arising from the initiative.

Richland Parish officials expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative effort that propelled this project forward. Joey Evans, Richland Parish Supervisor, emphasized the unity among local stakeholders in bringing the project to fruition. The construction phase is set to kick off in December, with the entire development expected to continue through 2030.

Meta will also contribute over $200 million to local infrastructure improvements, encompassing roads and water systems. The development is anticipated to spur further economic activity across northeastern Louisiana, affecting various sectors benefiting from the substantial investment.

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The project takes advantage of Louisiana’s new incentive program under Act 730, which offers state and local sales and use tax rebates for qualifying data center equipment purchases. Meta is also expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs program.

Entergy has emerged as a major beneficiary of the artificial intelligence boom, with its stock gaining 1.4% to reach $153.73 on Thursday, following Meta Platforms’ announcement of a $10 billion AI data center in northeast Louisiana. The tech giant’s largest data center to date will rely heavily on Entergy’s energy infrastructure, including three new natural gas power plants projected to generate over 2,200 megawatts over the next 15 years. Investors see this collaboration as a long-term growth opportunity for Entergy, aligning it with the surging demand for AI-driven energy solutions.

The announcement has fueled optimism around Entergy’s future earnings potential as it takes a central role in powering the AI revolution. Despite regulatory reviews by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, the partnership with Meta showcases Entergy’s ability to secure high-profile, long-term contracts with major tech players.

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Featured image credit: Entergy