MENLO PARK, CA – In a significant stride towards its ambitious clean energy goals and to fuel its rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, Meta (NASDAQ: META) announced today a major new solar energy deal, securing 650 megawatts (MW) of clean power across projects in Texas and Kansas. This latest agreement, signed on Thursday, May 22, 2025, underscores Meta’s commitment to powering its global operations, particularly its energy-intensive data centers, with 100% renewable energy.
The long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with AES Corporation, a leading global energy company, will see 400 MW of solar capacity developed in Texas and 250 MW in Kansas. These projects are anticipated to come online within the next two to three years, providing a crucial and sustainable power source for Meta’s burgeoning data centers in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) market.
Urvi Parekh, Global Head of Energy at Meta, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to work with AES to bring forward these two solar energy projects. These solutions support our goal for 100% clean and renewable energy and will add new generation to the grid in these markets.”
The demand for energy from tech giants like Meta is skyrocketing, largely driven by the exponential growth of AI technologies. Data centers, the backbone of AI operations, consume vast amounts of electricity – often 10 to 50 times more energy per square foot than typical office buildings. By strategically investing in large-scale solar projects, Meta aims to mitigate its carbon footprint and ensure a reliable, cost-effective energy supply for its advanced AI computing needs.
This 650 MW deal is not an isolated event but a continuation of Meta’s aggressive renewable energy strategy. Earlier in 2025, Meta inked several other substantial solar agreements, primarily in Texas, including a 595 MW agreement with Zelestra, two 200 MW deals with Engie North America, and a 260 MW deal for Engie’s Sypert Branch solar project. These recent deals bring Meta’s total contracted renewable energy capacity to over 12 gigawatts (GW), positioning it as one of the largest corporate buyers of clean energy globally.
Texas has emerged as a key hub for solar development, a trend Meta is clearly leveraging. The state’s abundant sunshine, streamlined permitting processes, and efficient grid connections make it an attractive location for large-scale renewable energy projects. By the end of 2025, Meta expects its supported wind and solar projects to add an impressive 9.8 GW of renewable energy to U.S. power grids, capable of powering over 2 million homes.
Beyond the environmental benefits, these solar projects are expected to generate significant economic advantages for local communities in Kansas and Texas, creating hundreds of construction jobs and contributing millions in long-term tax revenue for schools and counties.
Meta’s commitment extends beyond simply purchasing renewable energy. The company has maintained net-zero emissions in its global operations since 2020 and aims for net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2030. This includes ambitious goals for water restoration and engaging its supply chain to set science-aligned emissions reduction targets.
As the AI revolution continues to reshape industries, Meta’s proactive approach to sustainable energy procurement sets a precedent for how technological advancement can align with environmental responsibility, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future for the global digital landscape.
