Amazon Increases Data Center Investment in Louisiana to $18 Billion

Amazon has increased its planned investment in data center development in northwestern Louisiana to $18 billion. The company announced the construction of a third data center campus in Shreveport, while its initial investment announced in February was $12 billion.

The expanded project encompasses three data center campuses in Caddo and Bossier parishes. According to Amazon, once fully operational, the facilities could create up to 750 full-time jobs and support approximately 2,500 additional positions in the local economy.

Employment opportunities include electricians, HVAC technicians, project engineers, network specialists, operations managers, and security personnel. Additionally, the project will create up to 2,250 construction jobs during the infrastructure development phase.

Amazon is selecting infrastructure company STACK Infrastructure as its partner for the development of all three campuses. STACK Infrastructure will develop and own all three facilities.

The company also stated that it will fully cover the costs of new energy infrastructure and electrical grid upgrades necessary for the data centers' operations. Amazon is collaborating with Southwestern Electric Power Company on this initiative, and local residents will not incur additional charges.

Furthermore, Amazon will invest up to $400 million in the development of public water supply and wastewater infrastructure to support all three campuses. The company noted that it will self-finance the costs of improving the necessary water and wastewater systems.

To reduce water consumption, Amazon's data centers use air cooling systems for most of the year. Water is used for cooling only on the hottest days of the year—in the region, this period accounts for less than 13% of the year. The company typically begins using water when temperatures exceed approximately 85°F (29°C).