Zelestra and Meta Expand Renewable Energy Partnership with New 180 MW Palmera Solar Agreement in Texas
Meta and Zelestra have announced a significant expansion of their renewable energy partnership through a new power purchase agreement (PPA) for the Palmera Solar Project in Texas. The agreement covers the 180 MWdc (140 MWac) solar facility located in Freestone County and marks another milestone in the companies’ growing collaboration to accelerate clean energy deployment across the United States.
The latest agreement strengthens a relationship that has rapidly evolved into one of the more substantial corporate renewable energy partnerships in the country. The Palmera project joins a growing portfolio of solar developments supported by Meta as the technology company continues to pursue its long-term sustainability and clean energy objectives. With the addition of Palmera, Meta and Zelestra now have power purchase agreements covering approximately 1.4 GWdc of solar generation capacity across eight projects in the United States, all of which are expected to be operational by 2028.
The announcement comes amid a period of significant progress for several renewable energy projects already underway under the partnership. Zelestra recently initiated construction activities for the 176 MWdc Skull Creek Solar Plant in Anderson County, Texas, and the 200 MWdc Reclamation Solar Project in Gibson County, Indiana. Both developments are backed by long-term power purchase agreements with Meta and represent major investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
These projects follow the successful completion of the 81 MWdc Jasper County Solar Project in Indiana, which recently achieved full commercial operation. Jasper County is the first solar project delivered under the collaboration between Meta and Zelestra and serves as a tangible example of how the partnership is transitioning from planning and development into operational clean energy assets.
Collectively, the projects currently under construction are expected to support approximately 400 jobs during peak construction periods. In addition to generating renewable electricity, they are expected to create economic opportunities for local communities through employment, procurement activities, and increased tax revenues.
The new Palmera Solar Project is expected to play an important role in helping Meta meet its corporate sustainability commitments. The company has consistently invested in renewable energy projects as part of its broader strategy to match its operations with 100 percent clean and renewable energy while contributing new generation capacity to regional electricity grids.
Amanda Yang, Head of Clean and Renewable Energy at Meta, emphasized the strategic importance of the growing collaboration with Zelestra.
According to Yang, Meta remains committed to bringing new renewable energy resources online, and the company’s expanding partnership with Zelestra is enabling that goal to be achieved at scale. She noted that the projects are not only helping advance Meta’s clean energy objectives but are also creating jobs and generating long-term value for the communities where the facilities are located. Yang added that the continued progress demonstrates what can be accomplished through strong partnerships focused on accelerating the energy transition.
For Zelestra, the latest agreement reflects the company’s ability to move projects efficiently from development to construction and operation while meeting the growing demand for renewable electricity from large corporate customers.
Phil North, Chief Executive Officer of Zelestra’s U.S. operations, highlighted the pace at which the partnership has delivered results. He pointed to the successful commissioning of the Jasper County project, the start of construction at Skull Creek and Reclamation, and now the addition of Palmera as evidence of the partnership’s momentum.
North stated that the collaboration continues to transform ambitious clean energy goals into real-world infrastructure projects. He emphasized that the companies are working together to accelerate renewable energy deployment while supporting Meta’s decarbonization strategy and creating lasting economic benefits in the regions where the projects are located.
The Skull Creek Solar Plant in Anderson County, Texas, represents one of the largest projects currently under construction within the partnership portfolio. At peak construction activity, the project is expected to create approximately 200 jobs and contribute an estimated $8.2 million in local economic impact.
The solar facility will feature roughly 400,000 bifacial solar modules. Bifacial technology allows panels to capture sunlight from both the front and rear sides, increasing energy production and improving overall efficiency. The project is expected to make a meaningful contribution to Texas’ rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, which continues to attract investment due to the state’s strong solar resources and growing electricity demand.
To deliver the project, Zelestra has appointed McCarthy Building Companies as the lead engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. McCarthy is one of the leading renewable energy construction firms in the United States and brings extensive experience in utility-scale solar development.
Dhruv Patel, President of McCarthy’s Renewable Energy Group, described the launch of Skull Creek as an important step in expanding clean energy infrastructure across Texas. He noted that the company is committed to creating high-quality construction jobs, supporting local communities, and providing opportunities for regional subcontractors and suppliers while ensuring the project is delivered safely and efficiently.
Meanwhile, the Reclamation Solar Project in Gibson County, Indiana, represents a notable example of renewable energy development on previously utilized industrial land. The 200 MWdc project is being constructed on land reclaimed from former coal mining operations, demonstrating how former fossil fuel sites can be repurposed for clean energy generation.
At peak construction, the project is expected to support approximately 200 jobs. In addition to producing renewable electricity, the development will incorporate environmental restoration initiatives designed to improve land quality and biodiversity. Plans include soil restoration activities, the establishment of native vegetation, and measures to enhance local ecosystems.
The project will utilize approximately 325,000 bifacial solar modules manufactured in the United States, supporting domestic clean energy supply chains. Zelestra has selected Qcells USA Corp. as both the solar module supplier and EPC contractor for the development.
Chris Hodrick, Chief Executive Officer of Qcells EPC, said the Reclamation project exemplifies the future of utility-scale solar development by transforming previously used land into a long-term source of reliable domestic clean energy. He noted that Qcells is proud to contribute American-made technology, manufacturing expertise, and project execution capabilities to support Meta’s renewable energy objectives while delivering economic and environmental benefits to the local community.
The expanding partnership also highlights the growing role of corporate power purchase agreements in driving renewable energy investment. Technology companies such as Meta have become some of the largest purchasers of renewable electricity globally as they seek to support expanding data center operations with clean energy sources.
For Zelestra, these agreements reinforce its position as a leading renewable energy developer focused on delivering customer-centric energy solutions. The company continues to expand its presence across the United States through a portfolio of solar, storage, and multi-technology energy projects designed to meet the needs of hyperscalers, industrial customers, and large commercial energy users.
Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Zelestra currently has an approximately 15 GW development pipeline across key U.S. energy markets. As demand for renewable energy continues to grow, the company is positioning itself to deliver large-scale projects capable of supporting corporate sustainability goals while strengthening grid reliability and economic development.
With the addition of the Palmera Solar Project and continued progress across its existing portfolio, the partnership between Meta and Zelestra is demonstrating how collaboration between technology companies and renewable energy developers can accelerate the deployment of clean energy infrastructure, create jobs, and support the transition toward a lower-carbon energy future across the United States.
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