LOADING

Type to search

Meta, Zelestra Expand US Solar Partnership To 1.4 GW Across Eight Projects

Meta, Zelestra Expand US Solar Partnership To 1.4 GW Across Eight Projects

Meta, Zelestra Expand US Solar Partnership To 1.4 GW Across Eight Projects

  • Meta and Zelestra signed a long-term PPA for the 180 MWdc Palmera Solar Plant in Texas.
  • Zelestra has started construction on two Meta-backed solar projects in Texas and Indiana, supporting 400 jobs.
  • The companies now hold eight US PPAs totaling about 1.4 GWdc, with all projects expected online by 2028.

Meta Adds New Solar Capacity In Texas

Freestone County, Texas, will host another utility-scale solar project tied to the surge in corporate clean power demand.

Meta and Zelestra have signed a long-term power purchase agreement for the 180 MWdc Palmera Solar Plant. The project adds new renewable capacity to Meta’s US clean energy portfolio. It also expands a fast-growing energy partnership between the two companies.

Palmera will help Meta bring new renewable generation onto the grid. The project also supports Meta’s goal of matching its operations with 100% clean energy.

The agreement comes as hyperscalers take a larger role in the US power market. Data centers, cloud services and artificial intelligence are increasing electricity demand. Long-term PPAs give large technology companies a route to secure clean power while backing new grid infrastructure.

Zelestra and Meta now have eight PPAs across the US. Together, they cover about 1.4 GWdc of solar capacity. The companies expect all eight projects to enter operation by 2028.

“Meta is committed to bringing new renewable energy to the grid, and our expanding relationship with Zelestra is helping make that possible at scale. These projects aren’t just advancing our energy goals – they’re creating jobs and delivering long-term value in the communities where they operate and it shows what strong partnerships can achieve,” said Amanda Yang, Meta’s Head of Clean and Renewable Energy.

Construction Moves Ahead In Texas And Indiana

The new PPA follows rapid progress across the wider Meta and Zelestra portfolio.

Zelestra recently started construction on the 176 MWdc Skull Creek Solar Plant in Anderson County, Texas. The company has also begun work on the 200 MWdc Reclamation Solar Project in Gibson County, Indiana. Meta PPAs support both projects.

Together, Skull Creek and Reclamation will support 400 jobs at peak construction. They follow the 81 MWdc Jasper County Solar Project in Indiana, which recently reached full commercial operation. Jasper County became the first project delivered under the collaboration.

Phil North, Zelestra’s US CEO, said: “Our partnership with Meta continues to translate ambition into delivery. In just a few months, we have brought Jasper County online, started construction on Skull Creek and Reclamation, and now added Palmera to the portfolio. Together, we are accelerating the delivery of new energy infrastructure that supports Meta’s decarbonization goals while delivering long-term economic value in local communities.”

Phil North, Zelestra US CEO

For corporate buyers, the pace of delivery matters. Renewable procurement now carries direct implications for energy resilience, emissions targets and community investment. The Meta-Zelestra portfolio shows how large buyers can move from climate commitments to contracted infrastructure.

RELATED ARTICLE: Meta Invests $1 Billion in New AI Data Center in Wisconsin

Local Jobs And US-Made Solar Modules

Skull Creek will support about 200 jobs at peak construction. The project will also generate an estimated $8.2 million in local economic impact in Anderson County. Zelestra plans to install about 400,000 bifacial solar modules at the site.

McCarthy Building Companies will serve as lead engineering, procurement and construction contractor for Skull Creek.

Dhruv Patel, President of McCarthy’s Renewable Energy group said: “Launching the Skull Creek solar project in Anderson County, Texas is a meaningful next step in our work with Zelestra to expand clean energy across the state. McCarthy is dedicated to creating long-term, well-paying construction careers, supporting the local community, and opening doors for area subcontractors and suppliers, all while delivering a safe, reliable project for the community.”

Dhruv Patel, President of McCarthy’s Renewable Energy group

In Indiana, the Reclamation project brings a different ESG dimension. Zelestra will build the project on land reclaimed from former coal mining operations. The site will support about 200 jobs at peak construction.

Reclamation will use about 325,000 US-made bifacial modules. The project will also support soil restoration, native vegetation growth and regional biodiversity enhancement.

Qcells USA Corp. will provide the solar modules and EPC services for the project.

CEO of Qcells EPC, Chris Hodrick, commented “Reclamation represents the kind of forward-thinking project that defines the future of utility-scale solar, transforming previously used land into a long-term source of reliable, domestic clean energy. We’re proud to partner with Zelestra to deliver American-made manufacturing, advanced technology, and world-class execution that will help support Meta’s clean energy goals while creating lasting economic and environmental value for the community.”

CEO of Qcells EPC, Chris Hodrick

What Executives Should Take Away

For C-suite leaders and investors, the expanded Meta-Zelestra portfolio shows how corporate clean energy procurement has entered a more delivery-focused phase.

This is not only an emissions story. The portfolio links power demand, domestic supply chains, construction employment and land reuse. It also shows how large corporate buyers can shape renewable energy investment across multiple states.

Zelestra continues to grow its US renewable energy platform from Arlington, Virginia. The company is developing a pipeline of about 15 GW across key US markets. Its multi-technology strategy targets hyperscalers and corporate customers with rising energy needs.

Meta gains another route to match operations with clean energy while adding new generation to the grid. Local communities gain jobs, investment and long-term economic activity.

The wider significance reaches beyond one buyer and one developer. As digital infrastructure expands, clean power access is becoming a board-level risk issue. Companies that secure credible renewable supply will hold a stronger position on climate targets, energy costs and long-term operational resilience.


Topics

Related Articles