Meta Partners with Silicon Ranch for 100MW Solar Farm in South Carolina

Meta has partnered with Silicon Ranch to build a 100MW solar farm in South Carolina, supporting its first data center in the state. The project is the fourth between Silicon Ranch and Central Electric Power Cooperative, and the 18th in the partnership between Silicon Ranch and Meta, representing over 1,500MW of renewable energy capacity. The solar farm will have a capital investment of over $100M in Orangeburg County.

Meta, the parent company of social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has partnered with Silicon Ranch to develop a 100-megawatt (MW) solar farm in South Carolina. This project will support Meta's first data center in the state, which is scheduled to come online in 2027. The solar farm, located in Orangeburg County, will be funded by Silicon Ranch with a capital investment of over $100 million [1].

The partnership is significant as it marks the fourth collaboration between Silicon Ranch and Central Electric Power Cooperative, a Columbia-based energy generation and transmission cooperative. This project is also the 18th in the growing partnership between Silicon Ranch and Meta, representing over 1,500 MW of renewable energy capacity and investments totaling more than $2.5 billion [2].

Central Electric Power Cooperative will purchase energy from the solar farm for its member portfolio, which includes Aiken Electric Cooperative, which will serve Meta's data center. The solar farm is expected to generate over $8 million in new tax revenues for Orangeburg County, helping to fund local schools and infrastructure [2].

Meta's commitment to renewable energy is evident in this partnership, as the company aims to achieve 100% sustainability for its operations. This deal follows Meta's recent announcement to purchase all of the energy generated by a 600 MW solar plant being built in Texas by Enbridge [1].

The project underscores Silicon Ranch's industry-leading support for American-made energy, with nearly all the equipment sourced for the facility made in the U.S. [2].

References:
[1] https://www.esgdive.com/news/meta-silicon-ranch-partner-south-carolina-solar-farm-aiken-data-center/758046/
[2] https://www.siliconranch.com/stories/silicon-ranch-partner-meta-orangeburg-county