Meta Partners with Silicon Ranch to Launch $100 Million Solar Farm in South Carolina

In an exciting development in renewable energy, Meta has announced a groundbreaking partnership with solar developer Silicon Ranch to create a stunning $100 million, 100-megawatt solar farm in South Carolina.

This innovative solar installation is set to power Meta’s upcoming AI data center in the state, which carries an investment of $800 million. Both the solar farm and the data center are anticipated to commence operations in 2027, marking a significant step towards sustainable technology.

Notably, the majority of the equipment for this solar project will be sourced from U.S. manufacturers, reflecting a commitment to local industry.

This agreement marks the 18th collaboration between Meta and Silicon Ranch, contributing to a remarkable total of over $2.5 billion in investments generated through these partnerships.

In 2023 alone, Meta has successfully added more than 2 gigawatts of solar capacity to its portfolio. Earlier this year, the tech giant signed deals with developer Invenergy for multiple projects in Ohio and partnered with AES to implement 650 megawatts of solar energy in Kansas and Texas. Additionally, collaborations with Engie and Zelestra are underway in Texas, aiming to develop nearly 800 megawatts of solar power.

Like many leading tech companies, Meta is pursuing renewable energy sources such as solar for two primary reasons: to uphold its net-zero carbon emissions commitment and to leverage the cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment of solar energy. This strategy is particularly crucial for minimizing time-to-power, a significant hurdle in establishing new data centers.

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