Meta Platforms has signed two major solar energy agreements with AES Corporation to lock in 650 megawatts (MW) of clean power. These new projects, based in Texas and Kansas, will support Meta’s fast-growing AI and cloud operations. The move brings Meta closer to its goal of powering all U.S. data centers with 100% renewable energy by 2030 and hitting 9.8 gigawatts (GW) of green power by 2025.
Urvi Parekh, Global Head of Energy, Meta, said,
“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.”
Why Does Meta Need So Much Solar Power?
Meta’s data centers use a lot of energy to run social media platforms, AI tools, and cloud services around the clock. It’s investing in long-term solar power deals to reduce its carbon footprint and control energy costs. These power purchase agreements (PPAs) offer steady pricing and less risk from fossil fuel price swings.
The solar energy will go straight to Meta’s facilities in Texas and Kansas. While Texas is already a leader in solar, Kansas is just getting started. This strategy not only powers Meta’s tech operations but also helps kickstart large-scale solar projects, growing the U.S. clean energy market.
By replacing fossil-fuel power with solar, Meta can make a real dent in emissions. Some parts of Texas and Kansas still depend on coal and natural gas, so clean energy projects in these states matter.
Meta’s Commitment to Net Zero Emissions
As per its latest sustainability report, in 2023, Meta’s net emissions equaled 7.4 million metric tons of CO2. Key commitments include:
- Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2031, compared to a 2021 baseline, and ensuring that maximum suppliers adopt science-aligned GHG reduction targets by 2026.
- Keep Scope 3 emissions at or below 2021 levels by 2031.
- Since 2020, Meta has successfully maintained net-zero emissions in its operations, and it is on track to achieve net-zero across its entire value chain by 2030.
On top of that, the solar shift means better air quality in areas near coal plants. And in Texas, where the power grid has faced issues during extreme weather, more renewable energy helps improve energy security and grid stability.
AES Solar Deal: Positioned Texas and Kansas for Solar Growth?
Andrés Gluski, AES President and Chief Executive Officer, also commented on this partnership. He said,
“AES is proud to partner with Meta to deliver reliable and affordable renewable energy that supports their data center growth and ambitious sustainability goals,” s “By providing energy solutions that offer fast time-to-power and low-cost electricity, we continue to be the partner of choice for companies, like Meta, at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation.”
Texas ranks high in solar power, with around 41 GW of capacity, second only to California. The state’s sunny weather, open land, and competitive energy market make it a top pick for big tech companies.
Kansas, however, is still early in its solar journey, with only 172 MW installed as of late 2024. Meta’s investment could kickstart major solar growth, bringing new jobs and tax revenues to local communities.
The deal also supports both economic development and climate goals, especially in regions that need fair access to clean energy jobs.
What Does This Mean for the Clean Energy Market?
Meta’s solar deals reflect a larger trend—big tech is now a major force behind clean energy growth. Corporate PPAs help fund utility-scale renewable projects that might not move forward without strong financial backing. As more companies set net-zero goals, these deals are on the rise.
AES is playing a key role. It now has over 10 GW of renewable capacity under contract for tech clients, mostly for data centers. With a pipeline of 65 GW in clean energy projects, the company is ready to scale up to meet demand.
New solar plants expected to support most U.S. electric generation growth
EIA expects utilities and independent power producers will add 26 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity to the U.S. electric power sector in 2025 and 22 GW in 2026. And deals like Meta’s help accelerate that shift by encouraging more solar manufacturing, energy storage, and grid upgrades.
