How Amazon's US Data Centre Plan Supports AI Workloads

Amazon is bidding to invest US$12bn in northwest Louisiana to develop its first data centre campuses in the state, expanding its US cloud and AI infrastructure footprint.

The multi-site development spans Caddo and Bossier Parishes and supports Amazon Web Services cloud computing technologies and AI workloads. Amazon says the project will create 540 full-time data centre roles and support a further 1,710 full-time equivalent positions in the wider community, with roles set to include electricians, HVAC technicians, project engineers, network specialists, operations managers and security specialists.

These positions reflect the scale and technical complexity of hyperscale campus operations – large facilities designed to support extensive computing and data storage at a regional or national level.

“Louisiana brings strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a commitment to innovation,” says Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS).

"We’re proud to deepen our partnership with the state as we continue expanding the cloud and AI capabilities customers rely on every day.”

Powering growth

Amazon is collaborating with local utility Southwestern Electric Power Company to ensure it covers 100% of the costs for new energy infrastructure required for the campuses. This includes grid upgrades and additional capacity to serve the sites.

By funding these improvements, Amazon ensures that local electricity ratepayers do not carry the cost of expansion.

The company has also invested in solar projects in Louisiana, adding up to 200MW of new carbon-free energy to the grid. This increases the overall energy supply and supports long-term electricity affordability in the region, while integrating renewable energy into operations that demand significant power.

“Amazon is making a long-term commitment to Louisiana because our state delivers – prime sites, strong infrastructure and a skilled, hard-working workforce ready to support the next generation of technological innovation,” says Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.

"Investments of this magnitude put Louisiana at the centre of operations relied on across the country and connect our communities to jobs that power how Americans live, work and do business.”

David Zapolsky, Amazon's Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, adds: “Amazon's US$12bn investment in northwest Louisiana will build next-generation data centre campuses to support AI and cloud computing, ensuring opportunities for local communities.

"We’re creating hundreds of high-paying jobs and making substantial investments in local infrastructure to serve customers. We’re grateful for our strong partnerships with local leaders and proud to deepen our commitment to Louisiana."

Construction and delivery partnerships

Amazon is partnering with STACK Infrastructure to develop and construct the campuses. STACK expects the project to support up to 1,500 construction jobs, creating demand for local contractors, skilled trades and suppliers.

Matt VanderZanden, CEO of STACK Americas, says: “STACK is proud to partner with Amazon, the State of Louisiana and local stakeholders to responsibly develop the digital infrastructure supporting this significant expansion.

"This development reflects our commitment to investing at scale in ways that support long-term operations, strengthen local systems and contribute to sustained regional growth.”

Justyn Dixon, Economic Development Director of the North Louisiana Economic Development Partnership, highlights the projected tax revenues that will fund schools, infrastructure and public services. “Amazon’s continued investment in northwest Louisiana, alongside STACK Infrastructure, is transformational, building upon our region’s strength as a destination for innovation and technology.

"Now, we are bringing hundreds of high-paying jobs, millions in tax revenue for our schools and proof that northwest Louisiana competes on the global stage. When we compete and win as one region, we create jobs, strengthen families and build long-term prosperity."

Water and community top of mind

The campuses are set to use verified surplus water – defined as water exceeding current community requirements. In Louisiana’s climate, water-based cooling is required for less than 13% of the year during peak summer temperatures.

For the remaining 87% of the year, data centres use outside air for cooling. Amazon states this approach can reduce electricity demand by 25-35% during periods of highest regional grid load.

To support operations, Amazon will invest up to US$400m in public water and sewer infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and resilience. The company is also working on water-positive initiatives, aligned with its goal to return more water to communities than it uses in direct operations by 2030.

Alongside infrastructure, Amazon has launched a US$250,000 Northwest Louisiana Community Fund, managed by ChangeX. Grants of up to $10,000 support STEM education, sustainability initiatives, health and wellbeing programmes, veterans support and local priorities across Caddo and Bossier Parishes.

This expansion builds on Amazon’s existing footprint in Louisiana, including fulfilment centres, delivery stations and renewable energy projects. The new campuses extend its hyperscale data centre network into another US region to meet growing cloud and AI demand, reflecting the ongoing integration of large-scale computing into local communities while supporting high-skilled employment.