Meta Hyperion data centre plans have turned Richland Parish, Louisiana, into a key test site for the AI infrastructure boom.
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, in December 2024, Meta Platforms Inc. announced a $10 billion campus in one of rural Louisiana’s poorest regions. Entergy Louisiana said the project would need new power and transmission work.
The first phase covered more than 4 million square feet, according to Entergy. However, Bloomberg Businessweek reported a much larger long-term plan, with spending above $200 billion and 5 gigawatts of compute capacity.
Energy demand now drives much of the debate. Entergy plans up to 10 gas-fired power plants to serve the Hyperion campus, according to recent utility and industry reports. (forbes.com)
Meanwhile, Meta has turned to private finance. The company said funds managed by Blue Owl Capital would help finance and operate Hyperion.
Data Centre Dynamics reported that Blue Owl funds would own 80% of the joint venture. Meta would keep 20% and manage construction and property services.
Locally, the impact has moved beyond the construction site. Bloomberg Businessweek said up to 7,500 contractors could enter a parish with about 20,000 residents.
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The project promises 300 full-time jobs by 2031 and 500 by 2035, according to documents cited by Bloomberg Businessweek. Yet critics still question the tax breaks and limited early community input.
