Why Meta Wants Solar Power for its Texas Data Centre
Meta has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with energy company Enbridge for the entire output of a 600MW solar farm in Texas, US.
This deal aligns with Meta's broader sustainability goals while giving Enbridge a major boost in expanding its low-carbon energy portfolio.
Situated near San Antonio, the Clear Fork solar project is under construction and expected to operate by 2027.
Enbridge estimates the cost of the facility at US$900m and will retain ownership of the asset.
Under the agreement, Meta will offtake all electricity generated to support the company’s expanding data centre operations in the region.
“We are thrilled to partner with Enbridge to bring new renewable energy to Texas and help support our operations with 100% clean energy,” says Urvi Parekh, Meta’s Head of Global Energy.
The exact duration of the contract has not been disclosed. However, the structure provides long-term revenue certainty for Enbridge while also giving Meta a guaranteed renewable power source in a state that already hosts some of its largest hyperscale campuses.
Enbridge in the data centre space
Enbridge is leveraging its expertise in energy infrastructure to meet growing demands for sustainable power from digital infrastructure clients.
"Clear Fork demonstrates the growing demand for renewable power across North America from blue-chip companies who are involved in technology and data centre operations,” says Matthew Akman, EVP Corporate Strategy & President of Renewable Power at Enbridge.
“Enbridge continues to advance its world-class renewables development portfolio using our financial strength, supply chain reach and construction expertise under a low-risk commercial model that delivers strong competitive returns.”
Harnessing its development capabilities and supply chain expertise, Enbridge continues to grow its renewable energy footprint, evidenced by projects like the 130MW solar initiative in Jim Wells County.
This expansion includes ongoing projects such as the Sequoia Solar development near Abilene, projected to generate 815MW, marking one of the nation’s largest photovoltaic installations.
Tech and renewables in Texas
The joint venture between Meta and Enbridge shows Texas's evolution into a central hub for renewable energy in the data centre sector.
The state’s vast land resources, favourable regulatory environment and abundant solar exposure make it a prime location for such projects.
By participating in power purchase agreements, companies like Meta are directly contributing to the growth of renewable infrastructure, thus balancing their energy consumption with the sustainable production of clean power.
In May, Meta signed two power agreements to offtake 650MW of solar capacity across AES sites in Texas and Kansas.
That same month, it also signed Environmental Attribute Purchase Agreements (EAPAs) for two more solar farms in Texas — the 127MWdc (97.5MWac) Midpoint Solar project in Hill County and the 184MWdc (143MWac) Gaia Solar project in Navarro County — both developed by Sunraycer Renewables.
