Silicon Ranch has announced a significant partnership with Central Electric Power Cooperative to construct a 100-megawatt solar farm in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. This project is the fourth collaboration between Silicon Ranch and Central Electric, further demonstrating their shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Even still, the solar facility would come online only in 2027. In fact, it will serve as a linchpin to support Meta’s escalating data center buildout in the area.
The Orangeburg solar project is a significant capital investment of over $100 million by Silicon Ranch in Orangeburg County. As the chosen developer, Silicon Ranch will be responsible for the funding, building, ownership and operation of the facility. They will work intimately with Santee Cooper, the system balancing authority, during the entire project. This groundbreaking partnership is set to transform the local energy landscape even as it addresses the increasing demand for clean energy.
Partnership for Sustainable Development
Silicon Ranch has established itself as a leader in renewable energy through partnerships like this one with Central Electric Power Cooperative. The cooperative powers South Carolina’s 19 electric cooperatives. It is committed to serving the state’s expanding energy requirements in a sensible manner.
“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.” – Rob Hochstetler
This new solar farm will provide an increasing amount of clean energy to Meta’s future data center located in Waverly, Nebraska. It will provide much needed benefits to the surrounding community. The partnership between Silicon Ranch and Central Electric represents a huge leap forward toward a shared vision of smart, sustainable development in South Carolina.
Meta’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
Meta’s involvement in this project signals its ongoing commitment to sustainable energy practices as it progresses with its data centre construction in South Carolina. This partnership with Silicon Ranch will further enable Meta to align its energy goals with local resources and infrastructure.
“As Meta progresses construction on our data centre 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.” – Urvi Parekh
Meta also remains fully committed to continuing to work with local partners. Together, they hope to develop smart solutions that are contributing to positive outcomes in the communities in which they both operate. The solar facility will be an important part of Meta’s sustainability plan. As the company continues to build out its infrastructure in the region, this undertaking is made all the more critical.
Future Prospects
The new solar farm project is just one example of the growing investment and development across the Commonwealth in renewable energy. Most importantly, it emphasizes the power of collaboration in developing lasting solutions. Today, Silicon Ranch continues to advance more projects alongside Central Electric. Together, they’re working on improving energy efficiency and overall accessibility across the entire state of South Carolina.
Revenue service is expected to begin in 2027. This project will increase Meta’s energy needs while powering the local economy with new jobs and investment. The clean energy demand is absolutely booming. Developing more projects like this one will be key in determining whether South Carolina chooses a clean energy future or not.
