RWE, the third-largest renewable energy provider in the U.S., has announced a new power purchase agreement (PPA) with Meta for the purchase of electricity produced by its 200-megawatt Waterloo Solar project in Bastrop County, Texas. Under the terms of the agreement, Meta will purchase 100% of the electricity generated by the project, which is set to begin construction in late 2025. This project is designed to meet the growing demand for renewable energy while contributing to RWE’s goals to strengthen domestic energy production.
The Waterloo Solar project is the third such partnership between RWE and Meta in recent months. Previously, the two companies signed two other PPAs, one for the 274 MWac County Run Solar project in Illinois and another for the 100 MWac Lafitte Solar project in Louisiana. These three agreements total an offtake capacity of 574 MW. This collaboration is part of Meta’s strategy to ensure its operations are fully powered by renewable energy.
RWE continues its expansion in the U.S.
In 2024, RWE commissioned 1.6 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity in the U.S., including wind, solar, and battery storage projects. The company continues to expand its footprint in the U.S. energy sector with over 4 GW of projects currently under construction across a dozen states. RWE is committed to supporting the country’s energy transition while helping to meet the growing demand for energy.
The Waterloo Solar project will be a key player in this dynamic, providing low-cost renewable energy and stimulating the local economy. During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate around $26 million in local economic activity, creating about 300 permanent jobs. Once operational, it is expected to contribute approximately $2 million annually to Bastrop County’s economy and generate around $49 million in tax revenue over its 40-year operational life.
Meta’s renewable energy goals
Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta, expressed enthusiasm for expanding this partnership with RWE. Meta continues to strengthen its commitment to renewable energy for its data centers and other facilities. This initiative aligns with the company’s overall strategy to power all its operations with clean, sustainable energy.
The agreement with RWE marks a significant step forward in achieving Meta’s goals, particularly in reducing its carbon footprint and reaching its sustainability targets. By purchasing 100% of the electricity generated by the Waterloo Solar project, Meta is directly contributing to the development of clean energy infrastructure while supporting the local economy in Texas.
