Project Overview: One of the World’s Largest AI Data Centers
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced an ambitious plan to build a massive artificial intelligence data center in rural northeast Louisiana. The planned “Hyperion” complex, which Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed to former President Donald Trump, could reach an unprecedented cost of **$50 billion**. Publicly, Meta has confirmed an investment of at least **$10 billion** for the Richland Parish facility, though Trump’s remarks suggest the ultimate scale could be much greater[1].
Economic Impact and Job Creation
- The project will directly create more than **500 new jobs** in Richland Parish, offering average salaries at least 150% higher than the state’s per capita average[2].
- Over **1,000 indirect jobs** are expected as a result of the data center’s operations.
- Construction will peak at around **5,000 workers**, transforming the local economy.
- The facility is located on a **2,250-acre site**—formerly Franklin Farm—between Rayville and Delhi.
- Infrastructure improvements tied to the project are expected to exceed **$200 million**, enhancing roads and water systems[2].
AI Ambitions and Technical Scale
Meta’s Hyperion project will serve as a “supercluster” for AI development, eventually utilizing more energy than the equivalent of **4 million homes**. The site will house nine buildings over **4 million square feet**—an area larger than Disneyland and approaching the size of Manhattan[3][4].
Meta is spearheading one of the world’s largest AI infrastructure undertakings, using cutting-edge energy and server solutions for advanced AI tools like
ChatGPT[3].
Power Infrastructure: Natural Gas and Renewable Energy Debate
To meet the enormous power needs, Meta has partnered with Entergy to supply the site with three natural gas-fired plants producing **2.25 gigawatts** of electricity. These plants, set for completion in 2028 and 2029, have sparked considerable controversy, especially among local residents concerned about utility rate hikes and environmental impact[5]. Ultimately, the project could draw up to **5 gigawatts** as the center expands.
A planned **$550 million transmission line** will deliver energy to the site[5].
Meta has pledged to match its electricity usage at the data center with **100 percent clean energy**. The company has announced a 100-megawatt renewable energy purchase this week, but the natural gas plants’ emissions may complicate Meta’s goal of reaching net zero by 2030. To compensate, Meta will purchase credits from carbon removal projects[4][5].
Financing and Corporate Partnerships
Pacific Investment Management Co. and Blue Owl Capital are arranging a staggering **$29 billion in financing** for the build, the largest package ever tied to a single AI data center[1].
Regional and Social Impact
- The project establishes northeast Louisiana as a major innovation hub in the AI sector[2].
- Richland Parish’s selection was driven by proximity to the Haynesville Shale gas field and ample available land.
- Local organizations, including the Alliance for Affordable Energy, have expressed concerns about grid instability and rate increases for residents in the area[4].
Looking Ahead
Meta’s Louisiana data center is set to redefine the landscape of AI technology infrastructure in the United States, with an opening targeted for 2030. As construction continues, the project’s impact—economically and environmentally—will be closely watched by industry observers and local communities alike[3][4].
