TechCrunch Industry News Not everybody is happy about Meta’s $10B data center, Waymo will start testing in NYC, and more
Aug 22, 2025
Meta's latest data center deal in Louisiana faces backlash due to concerns over natural gas power and its impact on local energy costs. Meanwhile, Waymo is set to hit the streets of New York City with self-driving car tests, marking a significant milestone for the company. Additionally, a former software developer was sentenced to prison for sabotaging his previous employer's network, highlighting the potential dangers lurking in the tech industry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Data Center Locks In Fossil Infrastructure
- Meta's Louisiana data center deal locks in large natural gas capacity alongside planned solar, creating a mixed energy profile for the project.
- The gas plants and transmission costs risk shifting long-term costs and emissions onto ratepayers and Meta's 2030 net-zero goals.
Ratepayers Face Long-Term Risk
- Critics worry Meta and Entergy may receive special treatment and leave ratepayers with long-term costs after the 15-year deal expires.
- Natural gas plants' typical multi-decade life and cost overruns increase that financial and emissions risk.
Offset Emissions Proactively
- To meet net-zero claims, Meta will need to buy carbon removal credits to offset emissions from the new gas plants.
- Plan and budget for long-term removal purchases rather than assuming grid or operational decarbonization will suffice.