Meta Announces $10 Billion AI Data Center in Louisiana

Meta has announced plans to construct a $10 billion AI data center in northeast Louisiana, which will span 4 million square feet and is expected to create over 6,500 jobs in the region. This project is seen as a transformative investment for Richland Parish, a historically underdeveloped area with high poverty rates. However, concerns have been raised by environmental advocates regarding the center's reliance on fossil fuels and the potential for increased energy costs due to new natural gas power infrastructure. To address sustainability, Meta aims to match its electricity use with renewable energy sources and plans to invest $200 million in local infrastructure improvements. Construction will begin later this month and is set to continue through 2030, with the site predicted to be one of the largest data centers globally. The initiative reflects a broader trend of tech companies expanding their infrastructure to support growing demand for AI capabilities while navigating regulatory challenges around energy consumption.