Meta is expanding its planned Hyperion data center campus in Richland Parish, Louisiana, with an investment exceeding $50 billion, creating one of the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure projects in the world.
The project will expand the facility to nearly 10 million square feet with 5 gigawatts of IT capacity, making it the largest data center in Meta’s global portfolio and one of the largest data centers ever developed.
The company has contracted Turner Construction, Mortenson and DPR Construction to deliver the massive facility, which will support approximately 7,500 construction jobs at peak construction.
AI infrastructure project grows from $10 billion plan
Meta initially announced plans for the Louisiana data center in 2024 with a projected investment of $10 billion. The company later increased its commitment to $27 billion before announcing the latest expansion to more than $50 billion.
The Richland Parish facility will support Meta’s growing artificial intelligence operations and provide computing capacity for advanced AI workloads.
The project broke ground in December 2024 and represents a major expansion of Meta’s global infrastructure network as technology companies continue investing heavily in AI computing capacity.
Turner, Mortenson and DPR lead construction efforts
The expansion involves multiple construction firms managing different phases of the development.
Turner Construction and Mortenson serve as general contractors for the expansion, while DPR Construction is delivering the initial phase of the project. The companies also supported planning efforts as Meta scaled the facility based on future business requirements.
The construction of hyperscale data centers requires specialized expertise in electrical systems, cooling infrastructure, high-capacity power distribution and advanced building controls. These facilities also require extensive coordination between contractors, technology providers and utility companies.
Energy and infrastructure investment supports development
Meta said it will cover the full cost of the energy, water and related infrastructure required to operate the data center.
The company reached an agreement with Entergy Louisiana that includes funding for:
- Seven new natural gas-powered generating plants
- Approximately 240 miles of new 500 kV transmission lines
- Battery energy storage systems at three locations
- Additional grid improvements
Meta also plans to invest more than $1 billion in local infrastructure upgrades, including roads, water systems and wastewater improvements.
The company said local businesses have received more than $1.6 billion in contracts since construction began.
Workforce development and economic impact
The project is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs while supporting long-term technology infrastructure growth in Louisiana.
Louisiana is also one of four pilot locations for Meta’s America’s Workforce Academy, a $115 million initiative focused on skilled trades training and workforce development for data center projects.
“In just two years, we’ve secured more than $150 billion in new investment by creating an environment where companies can move quickly and build at scale,” said Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
Data center construction accelerates amid AI demand
The Hyperion project reflects a broader wave of hyperscale data center construction driven by rising artificial intelligence demand. Technology companies including Meta, Microsoft, Google and Amazon are investing billions of dollars in new computing infrastructure to support AI models and digital services.
Unlike traditional data centers, AI-focused facilities require significantly greater computing capacity and specialized hardware designed for intensive workloads.
Meta said the Hyperion campus could reach 2 gigawatts of capacity by 2030, with the full 5-gigawatt buildout expected around 2032.
Louisiana positions itself as AI infrastructure hub
Meta’s expanded investment strengthens Louisiana’s position in the growing AI infrastructure market. The project combines large-scale data center construction with power generation, utility upgrades and workforce development initiatives.
As AI demand continues to reshape technology infrastructure, developments like Hyperion are driving new opportunities for contractors, engineers, energy providers and construction professionals involved in complex digital infrastructure projects.
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