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

Meta has unveiled plans for its largest data center yet, strategically located in Louisiana, where it has partnered with Entergy to establish three substantial natural gas power plants. Recently, state regulators gave the green light to Entergy's proposal, which is set to come into operation between 2028 and 2029, ultimately generating a significant 2.25 gigawatts of electricity. As the data center expands, its energy requirements could soar to a staggering 5 gigawatts. However, this project has ignited a wave of opposition among local residents. An industry-affiliated coalition—comprising major corporations like Dow Chemical, Chevron, and ExxonMobil—has voiced concerns that Meta and Entergy may receive preferential treatment regarding a secondary initiative to develop 1.5 gigawatts of solar energy across the state. Moreover, the contract between Meta and Entergy is set for 15 years, leading to apprehensions from at least one Louisiana Public Service Commission member about potential costs being transferred to ratepayers after the contract concludes. Typically, natural gas plants are designed to operate for 30 years or longer, which raises questions about long-term financial implications for consumers. Adding to the complexity, major energy projects of this scale often exceed budget estimates, leaving ratepayers to shoulder the financial burden, as noted by the Union of Concerned Scientists. The establishment of a $550 million transmission line to connect the data center will also be funded by ratepayers. While Meta has been actively pursuing renewable energy sources, including a recent announcement of a 100-megawatt solar purchase, the reliance on natural gas power generation complicates the company's ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. To mitigate the environmental impact of these emissions, Meta may need to invest in carbon removal credits to balance its carbon footprint.