Solar Energy

Meta Adds 200 Megawatts of Solar to Renewable Portfolio

Ken Metral

15 Jan 2025 — 2 min read

Credit: Meta logo © Meta Platforms, Inc. Used for illustration.

This week, Meta announced its purchase of 200 megawatts of solar energy from multinational electric utility Engie, reinforcing its commitment to renewable power. The deal adds to Meta’s already impressive portfolio of over 12 gigawatts of renewable energy, a critical move as the tech giant continues to expand its data center footprint to support growing AI ambitions.

Renewables Powering Meta’s Growth

The new solar farm, located near one of Meta’s data centers in Texas, highlights the company’s strategy of integrating renewable energy sources to power its operations. This announcement follows Meta’s December declaration to build a 2-gigawatt data center in Louisiana, though that facility will rely on natural gas—a contrast to its renewable energy efforts.

Renewables are an essential component for tech firms like Meta, as they face surging energy demands driven by AI server deployments. A recent report projects that half of all AI servers could be underpowered by 2027 due to escalating energy needs, making renewable energy projects like Meta’s solar farm a crucial step toward sustainable growth.

Tech Giants Turning to Nuclear Power

While renewables continue to grow rapidly, nuclear energy is also becoming a key focus for tech companies seeking long-term energy solutions.

Google partnered with Kairos to deploy 500 megawatts of small modular nuclear reactors by 2030.
Amazon struck a deal with X-Energy for 300 megawatts, set to come online in the early 2030s.
Meta has not been left out, seeking proposals from nuclear developers for 1 to 4 gigawatts of power by the early 2030s.

The push toward nuclear power signals a desire for scalable and reliable energy sources that complement renewables.

Renewables Leading the Way for Now

Despite the growing interest in nuclear, renewables remain the fastest deployable energy source for companies looking to expand immediately. Solar and wind projects can be brought online much quicker than nuclear reactors, which often require years of regulatory approval and development.

For example, Meta’s new solar farm is expected to begin operation by 2025, providing clean energy far sooner than nuclear projects slated for the 2030s. Other tech firms are also doubling down on renewables:

Google is backing a $20 billion renewable energy initiative with Intersect Power and TPG Rise.
Microsoft is collaborating on a $9 billion renewable energy deal with Acadia Infrastructure Capital.

Balancing Innovation and Sustainability

Meta’s renewable energy investments, alongside its exploration of nuclear power, highlight the balancing act tech companies face: meeting today’s energy demands sustainably while preparing for future scalability. As data centers and AI-driven operations continue to grow, these dual strategies will be vital for powering innovation without compromising environmental goals.

With projects like the new solar farm and potential nuclear developments, Meta and its peers are shaping a future where clean energy fuels technological progress.

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