NextGen Technology
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Cleco invests in advanced generation and transmission infrastructure to power Louisiana’s rapidly growing technology sector. From data centers and cybersecurity to high-performance computing, Cleco provides the energy foundation for innovation and growth.
With around 975MW of available capacity, Cleco’s dependable and resilient grid offers consistent, low-cost energy that high-demand operations—such as Meta and other tech leaders—rely on. Beyond typical power sources, the Cleco service territory emphasizes clean and green energy with carbon-sequestering initiatives and new solar power facilities.
Additionally, Louisiana boasts the No. 1 tech talent pipeline in the U.S., with several colleges and universities offering robust cybersecurity programs. Overall, the technology sector has a $5.3 billion direct impact on the state’s economy, with an estimated 4,300 tech businesses creating a strong foundation for future industry growth.
A Hub for Cybersecurity
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With over 60 acres of available industrial space and a working population of over 150,000 within a 30-minute drive, Acadiana Regional Airport P1 Site is open for business.
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This 1,187 acre rail-served site is a blank canvas for your businesses development plans.
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This airport industrial park offers 57 available acres, with a railroad spur on thiste and only three miles from Highway 171.
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Located adjacent to the Acadiana Regional Airport, this 50-acre commercial park has easy access to U.S. Highway 90 and a variety of lots ideal of mixed-use developments. Learn more about Progress Point below.
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A Centralized Hub for NextGen Technology
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Education in the Cleco service territory significantly enhances the state’s capacity for tech companies and data centers through specialized programs and institutions. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s School of Computing & Informatics hosts the Center for Advanced Computer Studies (CACS), a research-focused arm offering master’s and doctoral degrees in computer science and informatics. This center plays a crucial role in fostering advanced technological research and producing highly skilled graduates ready to meet industry demands.
Tulane University contributes to this landscape with its Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management, preparing students to tackle modern cybersecurity challenges. Additionally, Louisiana State University (LSU) has seen its computer science enrollment triple between 2013 and 2023, now boasting over a thousand students. This surge reflects the growing interest and investment in tech education, creating a robust pipeline of talent to support and expand Louisiana’s next-generation technology sector and data center infrastructure.
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Several compelling incentives for data centers and advanced generation technology from Cleco and the state make the Cleco service territory a prime location for technological investment. One significant incentive is the Louisiana Quality Jobs Rebate, which provides a cash rebate of up to 6% of annual payroll expenses for qualifying jobs, available for up to ten years. This rebate helps reduce operational costs and supports the creation of high-quality jobs.
Additionally, the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit program incentivizes job creation by offering Louisiana income and franchise tax credits to new or existing businesses that generate new permanent full-time jobs for one of four targeted groups.
Passed in 2024, the robust Data Center Incentive is designed to create competitive advantages in the data center industry recruitment by providing state and local sales and use tax exemption on the purchase or lease of data center equipment and software.
With seven LED certified, power-ready sites covering over 3,370 acres, Cleco has the capacity and portfolio to support large load data centers and cutting-edge technology across the state.
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A wealth of sites across Cleco service territory’s four regions await businesses seeking to grow their data center, cybersecurity and advanced computing operations, with over 1,300 acres available across six prime locations. This includes a substantial 1,188-acre shovel-ready site adjacent to Beauregard Regional Airport and ample space for large-scale data center operations in the Lafayette Metro Region. These sites are strategically prepared to meet the demands of modern data centers — including on-demand backup energy, essential water supply for cooling equipment and comprehensive fiber availability.
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If you're looking for help, you're in luck.
Richard Cornelison
Director, Marketing and Economic Development
Amy S. Thibodeaux, CEcD
Economic Development Project Manager
