Meta's Solar-Powered Data Centre in South Carolina
Meta’s first data centre in South Carolina is set to be powered by a major solar energy initiative, thanks to a collaboration with Silicon Ranch and Central Electric Power Cooperative.
The planned 100 MW solar farm in Orangeburg County will supply renewable energy to the data center currently being built at Sage Mill Industrial Park near Graniteville.
This joint enterprise showcases Meta’s ongoing commitment to sourcing 100% renewable energy and further positions Silicon Ranch as a key player in the US solar development landscape.
About the partnership
“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," says Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta.
“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.”
Marking the 18th collaboration between Meta and Silicon Ranch, this project contributes to over 1,500 MW of renewable energy across four states, reflecting an investment of more than US$2.5bn by Silicon Ranch.
Central Electric Power Cooperative, which serves power to 19 member cooperatives in South Carolina, marks its fourth solar collaboration with Silicon Ranch through this project.
Central will integrate the energy from the Orangeburg facility into its statewide power distribution, while Aiken Electric Cooperative will deliver power directly to Meta’s new data center. Meta will also receive all renewable energy credits generated.
Delivering renewable power at scale
“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,” says Reagan Farr, Co-Founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch.
“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.”
The Orangeburg solar project signifies a capital investment exceeding US$100m, estimated to bring more than US$8m in new tax revenue to local schools, infrastructure, and other community necessities.
Silicon Ranch’s Regenerative Energy program will guide the development, fostering land stewardship by planting deep-rooted grasses and creating habitats for pollinators around the solar arrays.
Most of the equipment for the project will be manufactured in the US, reflecting Silicon Ranch's commitment to domestic supply chains and job creation.
Supporting South Carolina’s growing energy needs
Rob Hochstetler, President and CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative, believes the project will have a profound impact on South Carolina’s energy landscape.
“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.
"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, echoed 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.”
Timelines for delivery
The Meta data center and the Orangeburg solar project are expected to be operational by 2027. This solar farm will channel renewable energy to the new hyperscale facility, ensuring that Meta’s expansion in South Carolina stays aligned with its global sustainability targets.
By uniting renewable power generation with extensive data center infrastructure, this venture exemplifies how the energy sector and tech companies are harmonizing their efforts to simultaneously support digital growth and decarbonisation.
