Sunita Somvanshi
Meta, the tech giant, is gearing up to power its Mesa data center with a significant slice of solar energy. The deal, struck with Ørsted, taps into the Eleven Mile Solar Center’s formidable 300-MW solar farm and a matching battery energy storage system. Once operational in 2024, this setup will not only power Meta’s data hub but also energize SRP’s grid, marking a major milestone in U.S. battery storage development.
But this isn’t Meta’s first dance with solar. Earlier, they snagged 50 MW from West Line Solar in Eloy and are poised to benefit from Brittlebush Solar’s 200 MW. These steps align perfectly with Meta’s renewable energy aspirations.
Urvi Parekh, Meta’s renewable energy chief, emphasized the importance of a robust grid and renewable access in their Mesa decision. Bobby Olsen of SRP echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for substantial capacity growth by 2035.
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The Eleven Mile Solar Center, Ørsted’s Arizona debut, promises more than just clean energy. It’s an economic boon too, with an estimated $89 million tax revenue impact and over 300 construction jobs. Ørsted’s U.S. footprint is impressive, boasting 5.7 GW of renewable projects in operation or under construction.
SRP isn’t resting on its laurels, either. With plans to introduce 7,000 MW of new renewables, including a whopping 6,000 MW from solar by 2035, they’re set to power over a million homes, substantially growing their solar portfolio.
SRP’s commitment is not just a flash in the pan. This utility, deeply rooted in the Phoenix area, serves over a million electricity customers and is a significant water supplier. Similarly, Ørsted’s global presence in clean energy, from wind to solar, underlines its commitment to a net-zero future.
