Meta is set to invest in 10 gas-fired power plants capable of supplying energy to over 5 million households, designed to support its expansive AI data center complex in northeastern Louisiana, known as Hyperion.
The company’s agreement with Entergy, headquartered in New Orleans and announced on March 27, involves the construction and financing of seven additional power plants in Louisiana. This announcement builds upon previously approved plans for three gas power plants intended for the extensive AI facility. Collectively, these 10 power plants, boasting a total capacity of 7.5 gigawatts, would contribute over a 30% increase to the overall grid capacity of Louisiana, excluding the potential inclusion of up to 2.5 gigawatts in renewable energy resources, such as battery storage, which Meta plans to assist in funding.
Originally, in December 2024, Meta declared intentions for a $10 billion investment to develop a 2,250-acre data center campus in the rural area of Richland Parish. Recently, the company made a strategic acquisition of an additional 1,400 acres. In October 2025, Meta partnered with funds managed by Blue Owl Capital to facilitate the financing, construction, and operation of the Hyperion campus, with a total projected development cost of up to $27 billion, positioning the campus as a long-term, multiphase AI development center.
Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has remarked that Hyperion's footprint will encompass a substantial area comparable to that of Manhattan.
“Our Richland Parish data center serves as a symbol of the ambition and scale of next-generation AI infrastructure,” stated Rachel Peterson, Meta's vice president for data centers. “We are laying the groundwork for the future of AI innovation right here in the United States. We’ve been collaborating closely with Entergy since the initial planning stages to ensure our energy requirements are met, while also ensuring that Entergy’s other customers are not bearing our costs.”
Approval from the Louisiana Public Utility Commission is still required for these projects, although the previous three power plants already received regulatory clearance last year.
Following the announcement, Entergy's stock surged by 7% on March 27, reaching a record market capitalization of approximately $50 billion, reflecting a nearly 125% increase over the past two years.
Entergy has stressed that Meta is responsible for the costs associated with these projects and that existing ratepayers will not bear any financial burden. The company asserts that these agreements will result in significant savings for Louisiana taxpayers over the coming years.
The estimated cost for the 10 power plants is close to $11 billion. However, critics warn that should Meta's energy requirements decline after the 15-year contractual period, ratepayers may be left with the financial responsibilities.
“This agreement reflects what’s possible when strong partners align around long-term growth and value,” remarked Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. “By collaborating with our customers, regulators, and state officials, we are making strategic investments that enhance reliability, support economic development, and provide substantial benefits to consumers—all while maintaining affordable energy rates.”
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