(The Center Square) − Meta and Hyundai have applied for Louisiana’s premier business incentive programs as they move forward with major projects in Richland and Ascension parishes, respectively — projects that could reshape the state’s economic and energy future.
According to state filings submitted in late June, Meta is seeking incentives for its $10 billion artificial intelligence-optimized data center in Rayville, while Hyundai Steel Louisiana has submitted two applications tied to its proposed hydrogen-integrated steel mill in Donaldsonville, with estimated investments of $2.1 billion and $3.6 billion.
The filings show both companies are seeking benefits through the state’s Quality Jobs programs, key tools in Louisiana’s efforts to attract high-wage, capital-intensive projects. It is unclear if either Hyundai or Meta will apply for the Industrial Tax Exemption Program.
Hyundai and Meta both applied for their Quality Jobs incentive three days before the program is set to sunset. As of right now, the quality jobs program is no longer being offered. It will instead be replaced by the High Impact Jobs Program, which was established by the legislature last month.
Hyundai’s applications confirm the company’s intent to rely on state tax incentives as it advances its steel mill, which is projected to be operational by 2029. The filings cite more than 10,000 total jobs (direct and indirect) and nearly $139 million in new payroll between the two applications. One project alone anticipates creating 1,144 new jobs.
Hyundai officials told the state’s Clean Hydrogen Task Force last week that incentives like ITEP and Quality Jobs were essential in catalyzing the hydrogen economy.
“To enable and catalyze this economy, economic development incentives and greater certainty are key factors in accelerating adoption,” Hyundai’s North America Senior Vice President Jim Park said. “If you want to really develop economically and have more companies join the party, those types of incentive packages do work.”
The mill will initially run on “blue hydrogen” and eventually transition to “green hydrogen” produced using renewables, the company said. Louisiana’s RiverPlex MegaPark was chosen in part for its access to rail, river, and pipeline infrastructure — and recent utility upgrades supported by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
Those upgrades don’t come cheap. Entergy has proposed over $498 million in transmission improvements to serve the RiverPlex site. While Entergy has not publicly identified Hyundai as the customer, Commissioner Eric Skrmetta explicitly referenced the steel mill during a recent vote to approve related grid projects.
Entergy officials estimated a $1.50 monthly increase for residential ratepayers tied to the upgrades, though this estimate is incomplete and could be higher or lower.
Meta’s filing for its $10 billion Richland Parish data center indicates the company plans to hire over 5,300 construction workers and create 300 permanent new jobs with a projected new payroll of $26.1 million. The project was already named Platinum Deal of the Year by Business Facilities Magazine — a first for Louisiana.
The state’s new data center incentive program was a major factor in Meta’s selection, along with reduced sales tax liability on equipment, workforce training partnerships, and infrastructure upgrades. Gov. Jeff Landry hailed it as a sign that Louisiana is “a global technology leader.”
Meta is also spending over $200 million to improve local roads and water systems and launching a community grants program. Superintendent Sheldon Jones of Richland Parish Schools called the partnership “transformative,” with internships and tech training for students already in the works.
But the infrastructure needs are massive. Entergy is building out more than $3 billion in transmission projects to meet Meta’s power demand—$470 million of which will be shouldered by ratepayers. Meta will cover the rest, including two 30-mile, 500-kilovolt transmission lines and the construction of six substations.
Entergy has tried to ease concerns that the massive power draw will spike rates.
“Rates are not going to go up, and, in fact, may go down,” said Jody Montelaro, Entergy’s public affairs director. He told lawmakers that Meta’s financial commitments, including for storm recovery and nuclear plant upkeep, would help stabilize overall costs.”
Meta says it will power the facility with 100% renewable energy, aligning with its global goal to be water-positive by 2030. The company is working with Entergy to add 1,500 megawatts of renewable generation in Louisiana.
