Solar: How Meta is making Data Centres More Sustainable
Meta’s first data centre in South Carolina will be powered by a major new solar project through a partnership with Silicon Ranch and Central Electric Power Cooperative.
The 100 MW solar farm, set to be built in Orangeburg County, will provide renewable power to the site currently under construction at Sage Mill Industrial Park near Graniteville.
The collaboration builds on Meta’s commitment to source 100% of its energy from renewable resources and reinforces Silicon Ranch’s role as one of the largest independent solar developers and operators in the US.
Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta, says: “As Meta progresses construction on our data centre in South Carolina, we are pleased to join our new utility partners Central and Aiken Electric Cooperative and our long-term trusted partner Silicon Ranch to announce this project together.
“We’re grateful to Central for supporting our energy goals in South Carolina and thrilled to expand our relationship with Silicon Ranch, who shares our commitment to have a positive impact in the communities where we locate.”
This project is the 18th between Meta and Silicon Ranch, now delivering more than 15 GW of renewable energy capacity across four states.
The projects have collectively driven more than US$2.5bn of capital investment from Silicon Ranch.
Renewable power at scale
For Central Electric Power Cooperative, which supplies power to 19 member cooperatives across South Carolina, the project is its fourth solar partnership with Silicon Ranch.
Under the terms of the agreement, Central will purchase the output from the Orangeburg facility and integrate it into its state-wide power portfolio.
Aiken Electric Cooperative will directly serve Meta’s new data centre, while Meta will receive all renewable energy credits generated.
“Domestic infrastructure and access to energy are among the most critical factors for economic development, and Silicon Ranch is pleased to partner with Central to help deliver the power generation that Meta requires in support of its significant investment in South Carolina,” says Reagan Farr, Co-Founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch.
“We’re honoured by the confidence and trust that Meta continues to place in our team to execute on their behalf and grateful to be part of this compelling journey with them while also expanding our meaningful relationship with Central with this additional investment in the state.”
The Orangeburg solar farm will represent a capital investment of more than US$100m.
Silicon Ranch estimates the project will generate more than US$8m in new tax revenue, supporting schools, infrastructure and other local priorities.
The facility will be developed under Silicon Ranch’s Regenerative Energy programme, which promotes land stewardship by planting deep-rooted grasses and creating pollinator habitats beneath and around solar arrays.
Almost all major equipment for the project will be manufactured in the US,.
Energy in South Carolina
Rob Hochstetler, President and CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative, suggests the project will have a huge impact on South Carolina’s power system.
“As the power supplier for South Carolina’s 19 electric cooperatives, Central is laser-focused on meeting our state’s growing energy demands at competitive prices and in a safe and responsible manner," says Rob.
"Our expanded partnership with Silicon Ranch supports our ability to deliver toward this mission, and we are thrilled to help welcome Meta to South Carolina.”
Gary Stooksbury, CEO of Aiken Electric Cooperative, says: “This announcement is another step forward for this transformative project.
“Aiken Electric Cooperative is proud to serve Meta, and we welcome them as a long-term partner to our community.”
The Meta data centre and the Orangeburg solar project are expected to come online in 2027.
