Gas power plants approved for Meta’s $10B data center, and not everyone is happy

Meta is moving forward with plans for its largest data center in Louisiana, backed by a 15-year deal with Entergy to power the project using three new natural gas plants. Regulators approved Entergy’s plan Tuesday.

The plants, scheduled for completion in 2028 and 2029, will deliver a combined 2.25 gigawatts. As the facility expands, Meta projects electricity demand could rise to 5 gigawatts.

The move has raised opposition. According to the *Louisiana Illuminator*, an industry coalition of companies such as Dow Chemical, Chevron, and ExxonMobil is questioning whether Meta and Entergy are receiving favorable treatment tied to a proposed 1.5-gigawatt solar program. Coalition members say they faced challenges acquiring renewable power for their own operations.

Concerns have also emerged within the state’s Public Service Commission. Regulators pointed out that the Entergy-Meta deal runs only 15 years, while gas plants typically remain in operation for three decades, creating a potential burden for consumers once the contract ends.

The Union of Concerned Scientists noted that large-scale energy infrastructure often exceeds budget forecasts. Louisiana customers are already expected to cover the \$550 million cost of a transmission line for the project.

While Meta has announced additional renewable purchases, including 100 megawatts this week, the reliance on gas generation makes achieving its 2030 net-zero target more difficult. The company will likely turn to carbon offset markets to balance emissions.