The announcement marks a major step in the company's aggressive push to build the infrastructure needed to power the next generation of artificial intelligence technologies, including large language models that underpin AI tools such as ChatGPT.
The Louisiana facility, known as Hyperion, was initially expected to deliver more than 2 gigawatts of compute capacity. With the latest expansion, it is set to become one of Meta's largest AI infrastructure projects as the company races to meet the growing demand for computing power.
Expansion Comes Amid Growing Scrutiny
Meta's latest investment comes as technology companies face increasing criticism over the environmental impact of rapidly expanding AI data centers, which consume vast amounts of electricity and water.
Environmental and consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns about the financial and environmental implications of these large-scale developments.
Earlier this year, U.S. environmental law organization Earthjustice sought an investigation into the financing arrangement for Meta's Louisiana project. The group argued that if Meta were to abandon the project before the local utility recovered its investment, the remaining costs could ultimately be passed on to utility customers.
However, the request for an investigation was denied.
The project had previously drawn national attention after U.S. President Donald Trump said last year that the data center would represent a $50 billion investment.
Economic Impact Already Being Felt
Since construction began in December 2024, Meta says the project has generated significant economic activity across Louisiana.
According to the company, local businesses have already secured more than $1.6 billion in contracts linked to the construction of the Hyperion data center.
Beyond the facility itself, Meta said it plans to invest more than $1 billion in community infrastructure, including upgrades to roads, water systems and wastewater facilities to support the region's long-term growth.
The company also highlighted the project's impact on local public services.
Meta said increased tax revenue generated by the development enabled teachers in Richland Parish to receive annual bonuses of up to $50,000, representing a 400% increase compared with the previous year.
AI Investment Race Intensifies
The expansion underscores the intensifying competition among major technology companies to secure the computing capacity required for artificial intelligence.
Like other Big Tech firms, Meta has committed billions of dollars toward building data centers and expanding AI infrastructure as demand for advanced computing continues to outpace available supply.
The company has pledged to invest $600 billion in U.S. infrastructure and job creation over the next three years as part of its broader AI strategy.
Meta currently operates or is constructing 32 data centers worldwide, with 28 of those facilities located in the United States.
The expanded Hyperion project is expected to play a central role in supporting Meta's future AI models and services, reinforcing the company's long-term commitment to developing the large-scale infrastructure required for increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence systems.