Louisiana regulators have approved a plan by Entergy to build three natural gas plants to power Meta’s largest planned data center. The agreement, finalized Tuesday, covers a 15-year supply deal.

The gas plants will begin operations between 2028 and 2029, producing 2.25 gigawatts. Meta expects its facility could eventually require 5 gigawatts.

The *Louisiana Illuminator* reports growing concerns over the project. An industry-backed coalition that includes ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, and Chevron criticized a companion plan to develop 1.5 gigawatts of solar capacity statewide, arguing Meta and Entergy may be granted advantages other firms lack.

State commissioners have also raised alarms. With gas plants typically lasting three decades, officials cautioned that ratepayers may end up covering costs after Meta’s 15-year deal concludes.

The Union of Concerned Scientists added that mega-projects routinely exceed cost estimates, with the public bearing the burden. Louisiana customers are also slated to pay for a \$550 million transmission line to serve the facility.

Meta, which has recently expanded renewable purchases with a 100-megawatt deal, faces challenges aligning this project with its 2030 net-zero pledge. Analysts expect the company will need to buy carbon removal credits to offset emissions from the gas plants.