Meta’s new data center in Louisiana, planned as its largest yet, will rely on three natural gas power plants under a deal with Entergy. Regulators signed off on the utility’s plans Tuesday evening.

The gas plants are expected to come online in 2028 and 2029 and collectively produce 2.25 gigawatts. Meta anticipates that the data center, once fully expanded, could consume up to 5 gigawatts.

The agreement has triggered debate. The *Louisiana Illuminator* reports that an industry-backed coalition of companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Dow Chemical fears Meta and Entergy may receive preferential treatment for a linked solar initiative to add 1.5 gigawatts of renewable capacity statewide. These firms previously faced challenges in sourcing renewable power.

Some regulators also voiced concerns about the length of the deal. Meta’s contract with Entergy runs for 15 years, while natural gas plants often last more than 30, raising the risk that utility customers could be stuck with costs after the agreement ends.

The Union of Concerned Scientists pointed out that large-scale power projects frequently run over budget, forcing ratepayers to absorb the difference. Customers will also fund a \$550 million transmission line for the facility.

Despite recently announcing a 100-megawatt renewable energy purchase, Meta’s reliance on natural gas complicates its 2030 net-zero target. To address emissions, the company will likely purchase carbon credits from removal projects.