RAYVILLE, La. – Entergy Louisiana has announced plans to invest heavily in infrastructure to support Meta’s groundbreaking $10 billion artificial intelligence-optimized data center in Richland Parish. Spanning over 4 million square feet, the facility will be Meta’s largest data center globally and is set to drive unprecedented economic growth and innovation in Northeast Louisiana.
“This project represents a transformative moment for Northeast Louisiana,” said Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. “It’s more than just an infrastructure investment—it’s about empowering communities and reshaping the economic future of the region.”
A Strategic Site for Global Innovation
The data center will be built on the Franklin Farm mega site, a 1,400-acre certified location strategically positioned with access to robust utility infrastructure and major transportation routes. Entergy Louisiana marketed the site through its Site Selection Center and GoEntergy platforms, showcasing its potential for hosting large-scale developments.
“We’re not just powering a facility; we’re empowering a community,” added May. “This partnership with Meta demonstrates how collaboration between innovative companies and local communities can yield transformative outcomes.”
Economic and Job Impact
Meta’s investment and Entergy Louisiana’s infrastructure projects will inject significant economic benefits into the region, including:
- 1,500 to 1,800 construction jobs for new advanced generation units
- 3,500 to 5,000 construction jobs for substations and transmission infrastructure
- 44 permanent positions to support ongoing operations
Richland Parish, long recognized for its agricultural roots, stands to benefit immensely as it becomes a hub for cutting-edge technology.
Infrastructure Enhancements
To meet the demands of Meta’s facility and broader regional growth, Entergy Louisiana will:
- Construct three combined-cycle combustion turbines with a capacity of 2,260 megawatts, two of which will be located in Richland Parish.
- Build two Entergy-owned substations and six customer-owned substations.
- Install nearly 100 miles of 500kV transmission lines and eight new 230kV lines.
- Upgrade existing infrastructure, including a substation near Sterlington.
The advanced generators are slated to go online between 2028 and 2029, pending regulatory approval.
Cost Sharing and Sustainability Commitments
Revenue from Meta’s operations will offset infrastructure costs, reducing financial burdens on existing customers by over $300 million. Meta will also contribute to Entergy’s The Power to Care program, matching $1 million in shareholder contributions to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities in paying utility bills.
Both companies have pledged to advance sustainability. New generators will feature hydrogen co-firing capabilities, transitioning to 100% hydrogen and incorporating carbon capture technology in the future. Meta will also help fund carbon capture technology at Entergy’s Lake Charles power plant and support the development of 1,500 megawatts of solar energy.
A Vision for the Future
The partnership between Entergy Louisiana and Meta underscores a shared vision for clean energy and technological advancement. Alongside traditional renewable sources like solar and wind, the companies are exploring nuclear energy innovations, including small modular reactors and upgrades to existing nuclear plants.
“This is more than a project—it’s a legacy,” said May. “Together, we’re laying the foundation for a sustainable, prosperous future in Northeast Louisiana.”