Silicon Ranch, Central Electric, and Meta Partner to Deliver 100 MW of Solar Power for South Carolina Data Center and Communities
Silicon Ranch, one of the nation’s leading independent power producers and a community-focused energy infrastructure company, has announced a major new renewable energy project in South Carolina. The company will collaborate with Columbia-based Central Electric Power Cooperative to build and operate a 100-megawatt (MW) solar farm in Orangeburg County. This facility will directly support Meta’s (formerly Facebook) first data center in South Carolina while also contributing to the state’s broader energy portfolio.
The project represents a significant step in the ongoing transition toward clean energy in the southeastern United States. By linking Silicon Ranch’s development and operational expertise, Central Electric’s distribution network, and Meta’s renewable energy commitments, the initiative highlights how collaborative partnerships can advance corporate sustainability goals while also driving local economic development.
Expanding Partnerships Across the Energy Landscape
This new 100 MW solar facility builds on an already strong relationship between the three organizations. For Silicon Ranch, the project marks its fourth collaboration with Central Electric Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative that provides power to South Carolina’s 19 distribution electric cooperatives. For Meta, it continues a long-standing partnership with Silicon Ranch. To date, the two companies have worked together on 18 solar projects across four states, representing more than 1,500 MW of renewable energy capacity. These investments have translated into more than $2.5 billion of capital deployed by Silicon Ranch in support of Meta’s operations.
The Orangeburg County project will further strengthen the ties among Silicon Ranch, Central Electric, and Meta. By securing long-term renewable power for Meta’s South Carolina operations, it demonstrates the scalability of public-private partnerships in clean energy infrastructure and positions the state as a growing hub for sustainable corporate investment.
Powering Meta’s New South Carolina Data Center
Meta is currently constructing its first South Carolina data center within the Sage Mill Industrial Park near Graniteville. As with its other facilities across the United States, Meta has committed to running its operations on 100 percent renewable energy. This solar project will play a critical role in delivering on that promise, ensuring that the company’s data center is powered with clean energy from day one.
Under the agreement, Silicon Ranch will finance, build, own, and operate the Orangeburg County facility, while coordinating with Santee Cooper, the balancing authority for the system. Central Electric will purchase the energy produced, incorporating it into its statewide power portfolio to benefit all 19 member cooperatives. One of these members, Aiken Electric Cooperative, will directly serve Meta’s new data center.
Meta will also receive all renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by the facility, allowing the company to meet its sustainability targets while simultaneously helping to expand the availability of renewable power in South Carolina.
Economic and Community Benefits
The 100 MW solar farm represents a capital investment of more than $100 million in Orangeburg County. Beyond providing clean electricity, the facility is expected to deliver substantial long-term economic benefits to the local community.
Silicon Ranch estimates that the project will generate more than $8 million in new tax revenues over its lifetime. These funds can be used to support local schools, infrastructure projects, and other community priorities identified by county leaders. By investing in renewable infrastructure, Orangeburg County stands to benefit not only from job creation during construction and ongoing maintenance, but also from a new revenue stream that strengthens public resources.
The project will also showcase Silicon Ranch’s Regenerative Energy® land stewardship program. Under this initiative, the company will manage the land surrounding the solar array with practices designed to restore and improve soil health, promote biodiversity, and create pollinator-friendly habitats. By integrating solar energy production with regenerative land management, Silicon Ranch demonstrates that clean power generation and ecological health can go hand in hand.
A Commitment to American Manufacturing and Jobs
A key feature of the Orangeburg County solar facility is its reliance on American-made equipment. Silicon Ranch emphasized that nearly all of the major components for the project will be sourced from U.S. manufacturers. This approach not only ensures high standards of quality and reliability but also supports domestic job creation and economic growth in the clean energy supply chain.
By prioritizing American manufacturing, Silicon Ranch reinforces its role as an industry leader committed to aligning clean energy deployment with broader national goals for economic resilience and energy security.
Leaders React to the Partnership
Executives from Meta, Silicon Ranch, Central Electric, and Aiken Electric Cooperative each highlighted the significance of the project and the collaboration it represents.
- Meta’s Perspective:
“As Meta progresses construction on our data center in South Carolina, we are pleased to join our new utility partners Central and Aiken Electric Cooperative and our long-term trusted partner Silicon Ranch to announce this project together,” said Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta. “We’re grateful to Central for supporting our energy goals in South Carolina and thrilled to expand our relationship with Silicon Ranch, who shares our commitment to have a positive impact in the communities where we locate.” - Silicon Ranch’s Perspective:
“Domestic infrastructure and access to energy are among the most critical factors for economic development, and Silicon Ranch is pleased to partner with Central to help deliver the power generation that Meta requires in support of its significant investment in South Carolina,” said Reagan Farr, Co-Founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch. “We’re honored by the confidence and trust that Meta continues to place in our team to execute on their behalf and grateful to be part of this compelling journey with them while also expanding our meaningful relationship with Central with this additional investment in the state.” - Central Electric’s Perspective:
“As the power supplier for South Carolina’s 19 electric cooperatives, Central is laser-focused on meeting our state’s growing energy demands at competitive prices and in a safe and responsible manner,” said Rob Hochstetler, President and CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative. “Our expanded partnership with Silicon Ranch supports our ability to deliver toward this mission, and we are thrilled to help welcome Meta to South Carolina.” - Aiken Electric’s Perspective:
“This announcement is another step forward for this transformative project,” added Gary Stooksbury, CEO of Aiken Electric Cooperative. “Aiken Electric Cooperative is proud to serve Meta, and we welcome them as a long-term partner to our community.”
A Milestone for South Carolina’s Energy Future
The Orangeburg County solar farm is more than just a power plant—it is a milestone in South Carolina’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. By enabling one of the world’s largest technology companies to meet its sustainability goals while simultaneously strengthening the state’s cooperative power system, the project illustrates the multi-layered benefits of renewable energy investment.
With over $100 million in direct investment, millions in projected tax revenue, regenerative land management practices, and American-made equipment, the project is poised to deliver value far beyond electricity. It reinforces South Carolina’s reputation as a competitive destination for major technology and infrastructure investments, signaling that clean energy is not only a climate solution but also an engine for economic growth and community development.
