Commercial, Solar  -  May 19, 2021

Facebook to Source 110 MW From New Tennessee Solar

A new solar facility that will provide Facebook with 110 MW of energy to be used in its data center operations in Gallatin, Tenn., is on its way to be one of the state's largest solar farms.

The Tennessee Valley Authority announced May 19 a Green Invest partnership with Facebook and RWE Renewables for the construction of the 150 MW solar facility. RWE will own and operate the $140 million facility through a long-term PPA with TVA.

“Facebook’s mission is to connect the world, and the connections we made with TVA and RWE will ensure our operations in the Tennessee Valley are supported with new solar energy,” Urvi Parekh, head of Renewable Energy at Facebook, said in a statement. “This solar project, which is our third in Tennessee, will help us continue our commitment of 100% renewable energy for our global operations, while also bringing new investment and jobs to the local community.”

The Green Invest initiative has attracted nearly $2.7 billion in solar investment since 2018. In the last year, Facebook signed Green Invest agreements for 475 MW of solar power to be built in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky; they have also commissioned 852 MW of solar power linked to the TVA electric grid since 2018.

TVA sources nearly 60% carbon-free electricity and has increased its contracted solar capacity by 60% since October.

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