Meta Secures 650 MW of Solar Power to Fuel AI Data Center Growth
New renewable energy projects in Texas and Kansas reinforce Meta’s clean energy strategy
Meta has taken another significant step in powering its data center infrastructure with renewable energy, announcing a fresh agreement for 650 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity spread across the U.S. states of Texas and Kansas.
Expanding Renewable Footprint
According to details shared with TechCrunch, the solar installations are being developed by U.S.-based utility and power company AES. Of the total capacity, 400 MW will be installed in Texas and the remaining 250 MW in Kansas.
The move is part of Meta’s broader strategy to sustain its growing AI-driven operations. A company spokesperson confirmed that the energy sourced from these solar farms will support the company’s expanding data center network. Meta’s renewable energy portfolio already exceeds 12 gigawatts of capacity.
Long-Term Vision, Fast-Tracked Execution
Katie Lau, a spokesperson for AES, explained that the company typically enters power purchase agreements (PPAs) two to three years before the projects begin generating electricity. “The average term for such deals is 15 to 20 years,” she noted.
This latest agreement marks the fourth major solar commitment Meta has made in 2025, all centered in Texas. The earlier deals included a 595 MW project, a 505 MW facility, and two additional plants each contributing 200 MW.
Texas Leads the Solar Surge
Texas has rapidly become a hub for solar energy development, ranking first in new solar capacity additions in both 2023 and 2024, as reported by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The state’s combination of abundant sunshine, streamlined permitting processes, and swift grid integration makes it an attractive location for renewable energy investment.
These factors dramatically reduce the time needed to bring solar power online. In many cases, energy can begin flowing even before full project completion. This flexibility is particularly appealing to large-scale tech firms that require consistent and scalable energy sources.
Solar’s Strategic Advantage
AES CEO Andrés Gluski highlighted solar’s inherent benefits in a recent press release, emphasizing its speed and cost-effectiveness: “Fast time-to-power and low-cost electricity” are the core reasons hyperscale clients like Meta are turning to solar to meet their immense energy demands.
Furthermore, solar energy continues to be among the most affordable forms of new power generation—even before government subsidies are factored in—making it a strategic choice for companies looking to cut emissions without inflating operating costs.
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