Meta’s $27 Billion Data Center: 3 Problems Revealed by Icefall [2026]

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Meta Hyperion Data Center: 3 Key Issues

  • Winter storm blacks out 1 million homes, data centers activate 35GW backup
  • Louisiana campus expands by 3,650 acres, $27 billion investment
  • Concerns about residents bearing the cost of power plants

Power Struggle Emerges Amidst the Ice Storm

In January 2026, Winter Storm Fern slammed the southeastern United States, leaving over 1 million homes without power.[Fortune] The Department of Energy ordered data centers to activate their backup generators, a whopping 35 gigawatts worth.[TechXplore]

4 Times the Size of Central Park, $27 Billion

Meta is building a massive data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana. It spans 3,650 acres and represents a $27 billion investment.[Fortune] It will consume three times the annual electricity of New Orleans.[CBS News]

Controversy Over Shifting the Burden to Residents

The cost to build three new gas power plants for the data center is $3 billion. A key point of contention is Meta’s contract, which allows them to withdraw after just four years.[Earthjustice] If they leave, the cost of the 30-year power plants falls on 1.1 million subscribers. Construction site traffic accidents have also increased by 600%.[Louisiana Illuminator]

Transparent Contracts are the Solution

Google has implemented a demand response agreement, postponing non-urgent computations during peak load. Research also suggests that flexible power usage could secure 100 gigawatts without new power plants. Transparent contracts for cost sharing and emergency power management are urgently needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the size of Meta Hyperion?

A: It’s located in Richland Parish, Louisiana, and covers 3,650 acres – almost 4 times the size of Central Park. The investment is $27 billion, with 500 permanent employees and 5,000 construction workers.

Q: Could electricity rates increase?

A: Highly likely. The cost of the 3 power plants is $3 billion, and if Meta withdraws, the remaining cost will be passed on to 1.1 million subscribers. Earthjustice has requested an investigation.

Q: What about data center power during storms?

A: The Department of Energy ordered the activation of backup generators. Emergency generators can produce 35 gigawatts. Expanding demand response agreements is an alternative.

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