Meta is expanding its renewable energy footprint in the United States through a new partnership with solar energy developer Silicon Ranch. The two companies are joining forces to develop a 100-megawatt solar facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, to support the energy needs of Meta’s upcoming data center in the state. The project marks Meta’s first solar-powered data infrastructure initiative in South Carolina and represents the 18th collaboration between the two companies.

Solar Investment Supports Clean Energy Goals and Local Growth

Silicon Ranch will invest $100 million to develop and construct the solar farm, with completion targeted for 2027. Once operational, the facility will generate renewable energy credits that Meta will use to match electricity consumption at its Aiken-based data center, also expected to open the same year. According to Silicon Ranch, the project will require no capital contribution from local governments or utilities, positioning it as a privately financed development that delivers public benefit.

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The announcement highlights the growing trend of technology companies partnering with renewable energy developers to meet sustainability targets while stimulating economic development in rural communities. Silicon Ranch emphasized that this project aligns with a broader “all-of-the-above” strategy to meet rising national energy demands while strengthening American infrastructure and manufacturing.

Meta Deepens Commitment to Renewable Energy and Net-Zero Targets

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has emerged as one of the world’s largest corporate purchasers of renewable energy. Since 2020, the company has reported net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, a milestone achieved by matching all of its data center electricity usage with renewable sources.

The South Carolina project adds to a growing list of clean energy initiatives Meta has supported across the United States. Just last month, Meta signed a deal with Canadian energy firm Enbridge to purchase all of the power from a 600 MW solar project in Texas, which also aims to begin operations in 2027. Together, these deals reflect Meta’s aggressive push to decarbonize its operations amid rising energy demands linked to artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data infrastructure.

Silicon Ranch and Meta Partnership Surpasses 1.5 GW of Clean Power

This solar facility is part of a longstanding collaboration between Meta and Silicon Ranch, a Nashville-based renewable energy company. According to Tuesday’s announcement, their joint ventures now account for more than 1,500 megawatts of clean energy capacity and $2.5 billion in total investment. The projects span multiple southern states, including Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and now South Carolina.

While not all developments have been made public, the companies view their partnership as a cornerstone of Meta’s renewable energy strategy. In addition to environmental benefits, the projects are designed to support local economies through job creation, land use agreements, and community reinvestment.

Local Utility Partners to Deliver Solar Power to Meta's Facility

Central Electric Power Cooperative, an energy provider based in Columbia, South Carolina, is also a partner in the project. The cooperative, which represents 19 electric distribution utilities across the state, will purchase power from the solar farm and allocate it within its network. One of Central Electric’s members, Aiken Electric Cooperative, will directly serve Meta’s new data center.

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This collaboration between a major global tech company, a solar energy developer, and a regional utility reflects an evolving model for scaling clean energy in partnership with local stakeholders. It also demonstrates how utility-scale solar projects can be integrated into community power portfolios without requiring extensive public funding.

Solar Projects Continue Despite Policy Uncertainty

The South Carolina project comes at a time of increasing regulatory uncertainty for renewable energy developers. A recent Republican-led budget bill introduced new restrictions for wind and solar projects seeking to qualify for tax credits under existing legislation. In response, the U.S. Department of Treasury issued updated guidance clarifying that construction is considered to have started when "physical work of a significant nature" has begun.

Despite this backdrop, Meta and Silicon Ranch continue to move forward with major solar investments. Their commitment suggests confidence in the long-term viability of clean energy projects and the role they play in meeting corporate and national climate goals.

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