Meta Platforms has signed four deals with renewable energy developer Invenergy for the supply of 791 megawatts (MW) more of solar and wind power to operate the social media giant’s data centers, according to Reuters yesterday. This brings the companies’ total partnership to 1,800 MW after the companies struck a 1,000 MW of solar electricity deal last year.
“Winning the AI race requires reliable, cleaner, affordable energy and energy infrastructure – today and in the future,” said Ted Romaine, Invenergy’s Executive Vice President of Origination. Invenergy is known as America’s largest privately held developer, owner and operator of clean energy solutions. The electricity from Invenergy’s solar and wind projects in Ohio, Arkansas and Texas will be delivered to the local grid, while Meta will receive the clean energy credits associated with the new generation capacity coming online, the energy company said.
“Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions,” said Urvi Parekh, Meta’s head of global energy.
This is the latest in a string of deals by Meta to meet the surging power demand of its data centers needed for artificial intelligence technologies using clean energy. Meta has previously announced deals with several large solar projects, a geothermal startup, and a nuclear deal. It is still reviewing over 50 proposals for nuclear projects which could provide one to four gigawatts of power.
In early June, Meta signed a 20-year nuclear deal with Constellation Energy to supply nuclear energy to the Clinton Clean Energy Center. Nuclear energy from the project will be used to support Meta’s operations in the region.
Through its nuclear deals, Meta, on its Facebook page, said it is creating a demand signal for nuclear, which is necessary for existing units to remain in operation and for developers to permit, site, design and engineer more facilities moving forward. “Our investments in nuclear energy ensure that we will have the robust energy infrastructure needed to power the AI innovations that are set to spark economic growth and prepare our communities for the future,” it said.
