Amazon has announced plans to invest $12 billion in new data centre campuses in northwest Louisiana to support growing demand for AI and cloud computing services.

The development, spanning multiple sites across Caddo and Bossier Parishes, is expected to create 540 full-time jobs at Amazon data centres. A further 1,710 roles are anticipated in the wider community, including positions for network specialists, project engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, operations managers and security specialists. Construction partner STACK Infrastructure also expects the project to support up to 1,500 construction jobs.

As part of its commitment to fully fund the infrastructure needed to power its operations, Amazon has worked with local utility Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) to ensure it pays 100% of the costs associated with the new campuses. This includes all expenses for new energy infrastructure and grid upgrades required to serve the facilities, which the company says will also strengthen overall grid reliability for SWEPCO customers. Amazon has also invested in solar energy projects in Louisiana, bringing up to 200 MW of new carbon-free energy onto the grid.

Water use has been a key focus of the project. The data centre campuses will use only verified surplus water – supplies that exceed current community needs – and, in this region’s climate, are expected to require water cooling for less than 13% of the year, during peak summer temperatures. For the remaining time, the facilities will use outside air for cooling, which Amazon says can cut electricity demand by 25–35% during periods of highest regional power use. To support this approach, the company plans to invest up to $400 million in public water and sewer infrastructure to enhance system efficiency and resilience.

The investment builds on Amazon’s growing footprint in Louisiana. In 2024, the company opened an advanced robotics fulfilment centre in the Shreveport area employing more than 2,000 people, followed by a new delivery station in 2025. Across the state, Amazon now operates four fulfilment and sortation centres, seven delivery stations and seven Whole Foods Market locations, alongside solar projects generating up to 200 MW of energy – enough to power around 44,000 homes.

“Amazon’s $12 billion investment in northwest Louisiana will build next-generation data center campuses to support AI and cloud computing, ensuring opportunities for local communities,” said David Zapolsky, Amazon’s chief global affairs and legal officer. “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.”

Amazon added that the Louisiana campuses form part of its wider sustainability commitments, including a goal for Amazon Web Services to be water positive by 2030 by returning more water to local watersheds than its direct operations consume.

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