Meta Builds $27 Billion AI Data Center Transforming Rural Louisiana

Meta is building Hyperion, a $27 billion AI data center spanning 4 million square feet in Holly Ridge, Richland Parish, Louisiana, transforming the rural farming community into one of the world's largest AI infrastructure sites. Construction began in early 2026, with operations expected by 2030. Entergy Louisiana is constructing 10 new gas-fired power plants across three parishes — six in Richland Parish, three in Pointe Coupee Parish, and one in St. Charles Parish — to supply the facility's massive power demand. Entergy calls it the largest customer project in its history, and says Meta is covering over $2.5 billion in costs that would otherwise fall to ratepayers.

Local leaders highlight significant economic benefits: more than $2 billion in property taxes, $200 million for infrastructure, over 6,500 construction jobs, and 500 permanent jobs. Meta stated the data center land was not designated residential and pledged $10 billion in total investment. However, rapid growth has displaced longtime residents. Rents have surged from $600–700 to $2,500 per month, and residents report worsening traffic and affordability struggles. Richland Parish Tax Assessor Emmett Lee Brown documented a $30 million annual property tax payment alongside rising rents pushing people out.

The Alliance for Affordable Energy, led by Executive Director Carney Logan Burke, warns that Entergy fast-tracked regulatory approvals and that ratepayers could bear long-term risks if Meta exits the arrangement. Entergy Vice President Troy Heytens is overseeing the power infrastructure buildout for the project.