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AI Powerhouse: Louisiana to Host Massive Off-Grid Data Centers
21 Oct
Summary
- Venture Global plans a 10GW private power network for AI data centers.
- The network will operate 'behind-the-meter' using company's own gas supply.
- It bypasses lengthy public grid connection wait times, estimated at 5-7 years.
Venture Global has announced plans for a significant expansion into artificial intelligence infrastructure, proposing a 10-gigawatt off-grid power network. This network is intended to supply power to AI data centers situated on land the company owns near its liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Plaquemines and Cameron parishes, Louisiana.
The company has secured agreements with GE Vernova and Baker Hughes for 16 natural gas turbines, capable of generating up to 11.5 gigawatts. This private grid will operate entirely 'behind-the-meter' and in 'Island Mode,' utilizing Venture Global's own natural gas supplies for power generation and a closed-loop water system for cooling the data centers. This setup ensures no demand or additional costs are placed on local public utilities.
This private network offers a significant advantage by bypassing the typical five- to seven-year wait for interconnection to the Louisiana grid, a process that can be even longer in other states. Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel highlighted the company's experience in developing large-scale energy infrastructure, noting their existing 4.5-gigawatt private industrial electric grid, one of the world's largest.
The first purchase order for a power island is expected by the end of 2026, with all 16 turbines scheduled for delivery by the end of 2034. This ambitious project represents an estimated investment of approximately $17.2 billion in Louisiana.
However, the expansion faces scrutiny. Local resident Robyn Thigpen of Fishermen Involved in Sustaining Our Heritage expressed strong concerns, questioning the environmental impact of burning vast amounts of natural gas daily for AI infrastructure outside traditional utility oversight. FISH plans to demand rigorous environmental reviews and public participation.
In parallel, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has allowed full commercial operations for the first phase of Venture Global's Plaquemines LNG facility, increasing its capacity to 13.3 million tons per year. Total LNG exports from the company's Louisiana facilities are projected to exceed 100 million tons per year after planned expansions are completed around 2031.
