​Longroad Energy has secured a major Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Meta for a large-scale solar project in Plains, TX. The 1000 Mile solar project, with a capacity of 300 MWac (400 MWdc), will supply renewable energy to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) grid to support Meta’s data center operations.
A Strategic Renewable Energy Partnership
This agreement marks another milestone in Meta’s commitment to matching its electricity consumption with 100% clean energy. Urvi Parekh, Head of Energy at Meta, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the solar project will help the company meet its renewable energy targets and ensure its data centers run on sustainable power.
For Longroad Energy, the project is a key step in its expansion within the Texas renewable energy market. CEO Paul Gaynor highlighted the significance of the 1000 Mile solar project, describing it as Longroad’s largest to date and a crucial part of Meta’s clean energy strategy.
Impact on the Texas Renewable Energy Sector
Texas has long been a leader in renewable energy, with significant growth in wind and solar capacity. Longroad Energy has successfully developed six wind and solar projects in the state, but the 1000 Mile solar project is its first within the SPP footprint. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to diversifying its renewable energy portfolio.
The project is expected to reach commercial operations in 2026. Once online, it will add substantial clean energy capacity to the SPP grid and help reduce carbon emissions, aligning with the long-term sustainability goals of both Longroad Energy and Meta.
Corporate power purchase agreements have become a key driver of renewable energy development, as companies like Meta continue to invest in clean energy to meet their sustainability targets. By securing long-term agreements with renewable energy developers, these businesses can ensure stable energy costs while reducing their environmental footprint.
Longroad Energy has been a major player in this space. Since its founding in 2016, the company has developed or acquired 5.6 GW of renewable energy projects across the U.S. and raised over $15.2 billion in equity, debt, and tax equity to support its initiatives. Today, Longroad owns 3.7 GW of wind, solar, and storage projects and manages a total of 5.7 GW.
The Future of Solar Projects in the U.S.
The 1000 Mile solar project reflects the growing momentum behind utility-scale solar development. As more corporations commit to clean energy, the demand for large solar projects continues to rise. The Inflation Reduction Act and other federal incentives have also strengthened the financial viability of these investments.
The success of this project could lead to further developments for Longroad Energy in the Texas market, as its ability to secure major corporate partnerships positions it as a leader in renewable energy expansion. Meanwhile, Meta remains one of the largest corporate buyers of clean energy worldwide. Securing PPAs with companies like Longroad helps Meta continue to advance its goal of running all its operations on carbon-free energy.
The Power Purchase Agreement between Longroad Energy and Meta marks a significant step for the renewable energy sector. The 1000 Mile solar project will provide clean energy to Meta’s data centers while strengthening Texas’s renewable energy infrastructure. Set to begin commercial operations in 2026, the project will play a key role in the shift toward a cleaner energy future.