Meta secures 650 megawatts of solar power to fuel its expanding AI infrastructure, reinforcing its clean energy commitment to tech development
On Thursday, Meta executed an additional substantial solar agreement, securing 650 megawatts of capacity across projects in Texas and Kansas.
The American utility and power generation company AES is presently in the process of developing solar-only projects. The company has informed TechCrunch that 400 megawatts of these projects are scheduled to be deployed in Texas and 250 megawatts in Kansas.
Meta stated that the agreement was signed to provide power to its data centers, which have expanded to accommodate its expanding AI operations. The renewable power portfolio of the corporation currently comprises over 12 gigawatts of capacity.
According to spokesperson Katie Lau, AES typically executes new power purchase agreements two to three years before commencing commercial operations, with an average duration of 15 to 20 years.
Meta has announced four solar deals this year. All of the generators are located in Texas, with one generating 595 megawatts, another at 505 megawatts, and the remaining two at 200 megawatts each.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Texas has recently emerged as a hub for solar development, having installed the most new solar capacity in the nation in 2023 and 2024. Quick permitting, ample sunshine, and rapid grid connections are all available in the state.
The latter two are especially beneficial when implementing a new solar capacity. A solar farm can be constructed in months rather than years once permitting and grid connections have been established. Even without subsidies, the fact that new solar is one of the most cost-effective forms of new generating capacity is not a detriment.
Additionally, data centers are not required to wait for the completion of construction, as solar arrays can be gradually integrated, resulting in the provision of electricity before the project’s completion.
In a press release, AES CEO Andrés Gluski identified solar’s “fast time-to-power and low-cost electricity” as critical factors attracting hyperscalers like Meta.
