Silicon Ranch, in partnership with Central Electric Power Cooperative and Meta Platforms, are developing a 100 MW solar farm in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, to power Meta’s first data center facility in the state. Silicon Ranch’s solar farm will come online in 2027. It also represents an investment of more than US$100 million. The development also points to the growing synergy in corporate-energy partnerships across the US. These deals are also not limited to renewables as more natural gas powered data center projects are also coming to life in several states. One of the latest billion-dollar investments for a natural gas powered data center is by Babcock & Wilcox.
Silicon Ranch to Build 100MW Solar Farm to Power Meta Data Center in South Carolina
Reported August 20, 2025 – Silicon Ranch, is partnering with Columbia-based Central Electric Power Cooperative to develop a 100-megawatt (MW) solar farm for Meta. The facility will provide renewable power to Meta’s first South Carolina data center, currently under construction in the Sage Mill Industrial Park near Graniteville. It follows the trend where Meta is partnering with energy developers to power its data centers currently under development. Entergy Louisiana is developing three natural gas-powered turbine generators capable of producing 2,250 megawatts to power Meta’s data center coming up in Louisiana.
Strengthening Relationships and Expanding Capacity
The Orangeburg County solar project will be the fourth collaboration between Silicon Ranch and Central, which provides energy to 19 distribution cooperatives across South Carolina. It also represents the 18th partnership between Silicon Ranch and Meta, adding to more than 1,500 MW of renewable capacity and over $2.5 billion in investments across four states to support Meta’s operations.
Silicon Ranch is one of the largest developers of Solar energy in the country with over 3GW of installed capacity.
Investment and Local Benefits
With an investment exceeding $100 million, the solar facility is expected to generate more than $8 million in tax revenues, supporting local schools, infrastructure, and other community priorities. The land will be managed through Silicon Ranch’s Regenerative Energy program, which integrates pollinator-friendly vegetation and diverse grasses to improve land health beneath and around the solar panels.
U.S.-Made Energy Infrastructure
The Silicon Solar farm project also reflects Silicon Ranch’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing, with nearly all equipment sourced domestically. This strengthens American supply chains, creates jobs, and drives economic growth.
Power Supply Agreement
Silicon Ranch will finance, build, own, and operate the Solar Farm in coordination with Santee Cooper, the system balancing authority. Central Electric will purchase the power as part of its statewide energy portfolio, benefiting all 19 member cooperatives. Aiken Electric Cooperative, one of Central’s members, will directly serve Meta’s new facility. Meta will receive all renewable energy credits associated with the project.
Silicon Ranch Solar Farm Project Factsheet
-
Capacity: 100 MW solar farm
-
Location: Orangeburg County, South Carolina
-
Partners: Silicon Ranch, Central Electric Power Cooperative, Aiken Electric Cooperative, Meta
-
Investment: Over $100 million
-
Tax Benefits: More than $8 million in new revenues for local schools & infrastructure
-
Equipment: Nearly all U.S.-made
-
Jobs & Development: Supports American manufacturing & local economic growth
-
Land Stewardship: Managed under Regenerative Energy program
-
Renewable Energy Credits: All allocated to Meta
-
Expected Online: 2027 (alongside Meta’s data center in Graniteville)
