Meta to Build $10 Billion Data Center to Expand Tennessee AI in Louisiana
Meta announced to build its largest data center in Louisiana to support AI workload. This hyperscale data center projects to provide immense benefits to the state, said Governor Jeff.
In the latest data center news, Facebook & Instagram’s parent company Meta announced that it will invest $10 billion to build a new data center in Northeast Louisiana.
This will be Meta’s largest data center in the world. This data center is designed to process huge amounts of data that is required to support Artificial Intelligence.
What Has Meta Director of Data Center Strategy, Kevin Janda Said on This Announcement?
“Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. And this data center will be an important part of that mission. Richland Parish in Louisiana is an outstanding location for Meta to call home for a number of reasons. It provides great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners that have helped us move this project forward. We’re thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community. We are committed to investing in its long-term vitality.”
According to citing industry reports, “The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030.”
Meta’s Commitment to Louisiana
As per opportunitylouisiana.gov, Meta’s data center projects to support 500 jobs and direct new job opportunities in Richland Parish. LED estimates that the project will result in the creation of more than 1,000 indirect jobs, for a total of more than 1,500 potential new jobs in the Northeast Region. The company estimates 5,000 construction workers at peak of construction on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm Mega site that sits between the municipalities of Rayville and Delhi, about 30 miles east of Monroe.
How did the Louisian Authorities React to this Announcement?
Governor, Jeff Landry:
“Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office. Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future. I thank Meta for their commitment to our state, and to the State Legislature for positioning Louisiana to win this project by passing new tax reform legislation that attracts capital investment and improves Louisiana’s business tax climate.”
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary, Susan B. Bourgeois:
“This project is an example of what Louisiana can accomplish when economic development partners play offense rather than waiting for good projects to come to them. Louisiana has been actively positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation, with plans to support startups, grow a skilled workforce, and shape forward-thinking policy. Meta’s historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI, expand and diversify the state’s tech sector, and prove to the world that when Louisiana says that we are ready to compete on the global stage, we mean business.”
Entergy Louisiana President and CEO, Phillip May:
“This partnership underscores Entergy Louisiana’s commitment to powering progress and driving innovation. By supporting this transformational investment, we are not only delivering the energy needed today, but also building the infrastructure that will support a brighter, more sustainable future for all of Louisiana. Together, we’re laying the foundation for economic growth that will benefit generations to come. We could not be more proud to play a critical role in this monumental endeavor.”
Richland Parish Supervisor, Joey Evans:
“The parish is excited about the project, and we look forward to assisting in every way. I am so proud of the collaboration and cooperation among our state, regional, parish and local partners. The manner in which the communities of Rayville, Holly Ridge and Delhi came together to make this project a reality speaks volumes about our parish’s ability to rise to any challenge.”
Why did Meta Choose Louisiana?
Grow NELA President and CEO, Rob Cleveland said, “This project will create a transformational change for the residents of the entire Northeast Region. Meta chose northeast Louisiana because of the availability of reliable, low-cost energy; access to flat, developable land and a business-friendly environment led by Governor Landry. This project opens the floodgates for data center development in Louisiana, and we are prepared for what’s ahead.”
Meta is expected to leverage the new Louisiana incentive program established by Act 730. This program offers qualifying projects with a state and local sales & use tax rebate on purchase and lease of data center equipment.
What are the Expectations From this Data Center?
It is expected that the project will spark new economic investments in Northeast Louisiana. This investment will benefit multiple industries as Meta targets to source labor and materials locally. Meta will partner with many schools and educational organizations to provide STEAM education to enhance digital skills of workers.
