Can Meta’s South Carolina Data Centre Run on Solar?
Meta’s new data centre in South Carolina is set to be powered by a significant solar initiative, thanks to an ambitious partnership with Silicon Ranch and Central Electric Power Cooperative.
The planned 100 MW solar farm in Orangeburg County will provide clean energy to the facility under construction at Sage Mill Industrial Park near Graniteville.
Commitment to sustainability
This collaboration supports Meta's goal to obtain 100% renewable energy and highlights Silicon Ranch's impact as a leading solar developer in the US.
Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta, welcomes the agreement, saying: “As Meta progresses construction on our data centre in South Carolina, we are pleased to join our new utility partners Central and Aiken Electric Cooperative and our long-term trusted partner Silicon Ranch to announce this project together.
“We’re grateful to Central for supporting our energy goals in South Carolina and thrilled to expand our relationship with Silicon Ranch, who shares our commitment to have a positive impact in the communities where we locate.”
Meta and Silicon Ranch have teamed up for the 18th time, amassing more than 1,500 MW of renewable energy over four states, with over US$2.5bn in capital from Silicon Ranch.
Economic benefits
The project, one of Central Electric Power Cooperative's fourth solar ventures with Silicon Ranch, promises to integrate the generated electricity into its state-wide portfolio.
Meta’s new centre will directly benefit from the renewable energy credits produced.
Reagan Farr, Co-Founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch, emphasises the project’s economic significance.
“Domestic infrastructure and access to energy are among the most critical factors for economic development, and Silicon Ranch is pleased to partner with Central to help deliver the power generation that Meta requires in support of its significant investment in South Carolina,” he says.
“We’re honoured by the confidence and trust that Meta continues to place in our team to execute on their behalf and grateful to be part of this compelling journey with them while also expanding our meaningful relationship with Central with this additional investment in the state.”
Innovative renewable practices
The Orangeburg facility will emerge from Silicon Ranch’s Regenerative Energy programme, aiming to combine renewable power with environmental stewardship.
This approach includes planting deep-rooted grasses and creating pollinator habitats, reinforcing the sustainable energy paradigm. Importantly, almost all project equipment will be US-manufactured, underscoring Silicon Ranch's commitment to local supply chains and job creation.
Future plans and local support
With a target operational date in 2027, this solar farm will enable Meta's data centre to meet its sustainability goals.
“As the power supplier for South Carolina’s 19 electric cooperatives, Central is laser-focused on meeting our state’s growing energy demands at competitive prices and in a safe and responsible manner," says Rob Hochstetler, President and CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative.
"Our expanded partnership with Silicon Ranch supports our ability to deliver toward this mission, and we are thrilled to help welcome Meta to South Carolina.”
Gary Stooksbury, CEO of Aiken Electric Cooperative, echoes these sentiments.
“This announcement is another step forward for this transformative project,” he explains.
“Aiken Electric Cooperative is proud to serve Meta, and we welcome them as a long-term partner to our community.”
