Meta to add 100 MW of solar power from U.S. gear

In a significant move towards sustainability, Meta has partnered with solar developer Silicon Ranch to create a 100-megawatt solar farm in South Carolina. This ambitious project, valued at $100 million, aims to supply energy to Meta’s upcoming AI data center in the region, which is projected to cost around $800 million. Both the solar farm and the data center are slated to commence operations by 2027. The collaboration marks the eighteenth agreement between Meta and Silicon Ranch, a relationship that has already generated over $2.5 billion in investments. Notably, the majority of the solar farm's equipment will be sourced from manufacturers within the United States, underscoring a commitment to local industry. This year alone, Meta has successfully added over 2 gigawatts of solar capacity to its portfolio. In addition to the South Carolina project, the company has secured agreements for several solar initiatives in Ohio with developer Invergy, and is set to partner with AES to develop 650 megawatts of solar energy in Kansas and Texas. Furthermore, Meta is collaborating with Engie and Zelestra to enhance solar capacity by nearly 800 megawatts in Texas. Meta’s push into renewable energy reflects a broader strategy shared among major tech companies, focusing on achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The adoption of solar power not only aligns with environmental goals but also proves to be a cost-effective and rapid solution to meet the increasing energy demands of new data centers.