Facebook has signed a power purchase agreement with DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) for electricity from the 160MW Chester solar farm in the US state of Virginia.
Chester will support Facebook’s data centres in the region, including the Henrico unit located nearby in Eastern Henrico County.
The project will be built in Chesterfield County and is expected to deliver significant community benefits including the creation of an estimated 200 jobs during construction.
Once the project is operational, DESRI will establish and fund a clean energy scholarship programme, which will help cultivate local workforce talent by supporting graduating seniors from local high schools.
DESRI is developing the project in partnership with Torch Clean Energy.
Facebook head of renewable energy Urvi Parekh said: “We are excited to partner with DESRI once again to bring new solar energy to the grid.
“This project will help us continue to support our global operations with 100% renewable energy and bring new investment and jobs to the state of Virginia.”
DESRI chief development officer Hy Martin said: “The DESRI team is pleased to continue our strong relationship with Facebook, which, with the addition of Chester Solar, now totals over 650MWac of contracted and operational clean power projects across the country.
“This project will create jobs, tax revenue, and other local economic development as Virginia becomes a national leader in the new energy economy.
“This facility is one of several renewable energy projects that our team has planned for large load centres in the PJM territory.”
Torch president Jon Kilberg said: “Torch is proud to continue its strong partnership with DESRI and support Facebook’s renewable energy goals through Chester’s continued development.
“This project represents important economic investments in Virginia which will significantly increase the amount of carbon-free solar energy produced by the state.”