#United States #Meta #Richland Parish #Entergy Louisiana

Transformative Investment for Northeast Louisiana

In a groundbreaking announcement, Entergy Louisiana revealed plans to invest substantially in modern power generation facilities and enhanced transmission systems. This development is designed to support Meta’s ambitious new data center in Richland Parish, marking a significant milestone in local economic transformation. The combined investment is projected to reach a staggering $10 billion, making this data center Meta’s largest facility to date, spanning over 4 million square feet.

A New Era for Economic Growth

Phillip May, President and CEO of Entergy Louisiana, remarked, “Today marks a turning point for Northeast Louisiana. This investment goes beyond infrastructure; it is a commitment to the people and communities we serve.” This initiative aims to revitalize the region's economy, create thousands of job opportunities, and enhance infrastructure to sustain future developments.

Strategically located on the Franklin Farm mega site, the data center will leverage existing utility investments and streamline transportation access. Entergy Louisiana’s proactive marketing through its Site Selection Center and GoEntergy platforms has emphasized this site as a prime location for extensive development projects.

Job Creation and Economic Benefits

The implications of this project extend far beyond the initial investment by Meta. During the construction phase, Entergy Louisiana expects to generate substantial local employment, estimating between 1,500 to 1,800 construction jobs related to advanced generation units. Additional jobs will arise from the construction of substations and the broader transmission infrastructure, bringing the total to an impressive 3,500 to 5,000 construction jobs. Furthermore, Meta's ongoing operations will create 44 permanent full-time jobs contributing to the local workforce.

Richland Parish, historically known for its agricultural richness and cultural heritage, stands to gain profoundly from these developments. The enhancement of local infrastructure not only powers the new data center but also fosters community growth and resilience.

Infrastructure Developments to Support Progress

To adequately power the Richland Parish Data Center and accommodate an expanding economy, Entergy Louisiana plans to:

• - Build three combined-cycle combustion turbines with a total capacity of 2,260 megawatts, two of which will be situated in Richland Parish.
• - Construct two Entergy-owned substations alongside six customer-owned substations.
• - Install nearly 100 miles of 500kV transmission lines paired with eight new 230kV transmission lines.
• - Upgrade existing infrastructure, particularly at a substation near Sterlington.

Pending necessary regulatory approvals, these new power generation assets are anticipated to commence operations by the years 2028 to 2029.

Financial Aspects and Community Contributions

The financial structure surrounding Meta’s location in Louisiana features shared costs, with the company contributing to community utility services. This model not only mitigates expenses for existing customers but also integrates Meta’s financial contributions into the broader cost framework, yielding approximately $300 million in savings for local ratepayers. Moreover, Meta has pledged to match $1 million in contributions to Entergy's The Power to Care program aimed at supporting elderly residents and those with disabilities in meeting their energy costs.

A Shared Vision for Sustainability

Both Entergy Louisiana and Meta prioritize sustainability in their operational frameworks. Initial phases of the new generating units will enable 30% hydrogen co-firing, with long-term plans to transition to 100% hydrogen and implement carbon capture technology. Meta’s commitment also extends to funding carbon capture systems and supporting significant solar and storage projects, aligning with Entergy Louisiana's goal of facilitating 3 gigawatts of solar energy expansion.

In addition, strategic explorations into nuclear energy are on the table, reinforcing the commitment to a multifaceted approach to clean and efficient energy production.

About Entergy Louisiana

As a key energy provider, Entergy Louisiana serves over 1 million customers across 58 parishes, coupled with natural gas services to an additional 94,000 customers in Baton Rouge. Its affiliation with Entergy Corporation, a powerful Fortune 500 company, underscores its mission of reliability, resilience, and supporting economic progress while pivoting towards cleaner energy solutions. With enduring community ties that surpass 100 years, Entergy continues to be a national leader in sustainability, delivering upwards of $100 million in annual economic benefits through its outreach programs and community involvement.

This groundbreaking project not only promises to reshape the economic landscape of Northeast Louisiana but also speaks volumes about how collaborative ventures between corporations and local entities can pave the way for a more prosperous future.