How an ‘icepocalypse’ raises more questions about Meta’s biggest data center project
A winter storm exposes the shaky power grid for Meta's massive AI project.
Deep Dive
A recent 'icepocalypse' winter storm knocked out power for thousands near Meta's $27 billion AI data center site in Louisiana, raising major concerns about grid reliability. The facility will use triple the annual electricity of New Orleans. Locals and advocates fear residents will be stuck with higher bills and more blackouts as new gas plants are built to power the data center, slated for completion in 2030.
Why It Matters
This highlights the massive, often hidden, energy and community costs of the AI boom's infrastructure.