Introduction to a Sustainable Future

In a significant move towards renewable energy, RWE, one of the largest renewable energy companies in the U.S., has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Meta. This agreement involves the offtake from a 200-megawatt solar project located in Bastrop County, Texas. The partnership underscores both companies' commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and supporting sustainable operations.

Details of the Agreement

Under the terms of the agreement, Meta will purchase 100% of the electricity generated by RWE's Waterloo Solar project. This project is set to begin construction in late 2025, aligning with Meta's ambitious goal of powering its operations entirely with renewable energy. The Waterloo Solar project is part of RWE's broader strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio across the United States, contributing to the country's growing demand for clean energy.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

• Location and Capacity: The Waterloo Solar project is situated in Bastrop County, Texas, with a capacity of 200 megawatts (MWac).
• Construction Timeline: Onsite construction is expected to commence in late 2025.
• Economic Impact: The project will create approximately 300 full-time jobs during peak construction and generate an estimated $26 million in local economic activity.
• Long-term Benefits: Once operational, the project will contribute about $2 million annually to the local economy and $49 million in cumulative tax revenue over its 40-year lifespan.

Expanding Renewable Energy Footprint

This agreement marks RWE's third long-term PPA with Meta in recent months, following previous agreements for the 274 MWac County Run Solar project in Illinois and the 100 MWac Lafitte Solar project in Louisiana. These collaborations highlight RWE's commitment to delivering low-cost, homegrown electricity to support U.S. energy dominance and meet the rising demand for renewable energy.

RWE's Renewable Energy Strategy:

• Investment in U.S. Renewables: RWE has commissioned 1.6 gigawatts of new onshore wind, solar, and battery storage capacity in the U.S. in 2024.
• Projects Under Construction: The company has more than 4 gigawatts of projects currently under construction across a dozen U.S. states.
• Partnerships with Technology Companies: RWE continues to partner with leading technology companies like Meta to drive decarbonization and support economic growth in local communities.

Meta's Commitment to Renewable Energy

Meta, a leading technology company and one of the largest corporate buyers of renewable energy worldwide, is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio. By partnering with RWE, Meta aims to match its operations with 100% clean and renewable energy, aligning with its sustainability goals.

Meta's Renewable Energy Approach:

• Global Energy Strategy: Meta focuses on acquiring renewable energy through long-term PPAs to support its data centers and operations globally.
• Previous Agreements: Meta has signed multiple PPAs with various energy providers, including agreements for projects in California and Missouri.
• Sustainability Goals: The company is committed to powering its operations entirely with renewable energy, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The partnership between RWE and Meta not only supports the transition to renewable energy but also has significant economic benefits for local communities. The Waterloo Solar project will stimulate job creation and economic prosperity in Bastrop County, Texas, while contributing to the broader goal of advancing U.S. energy dominance.

Benefits for Local Communities:

• Job Creation: The project will employ approximately 300 full-time workers during peak construction.
• Local Economic Activity: RWE's investment will generate an estimated $26 million in new local economic activity during the construction phase.
• Long-term Revenue: The project will provide a boost of about $2 million per year to the local economy and $49 million in cumulative tax revenue over its lifetime.

Conclusion

The partnership between RWE and Meta represents a significant step forward in the transition to renewable energy, showcasing the potential for collaboration between leading energy companies and technology giants. As the demand for clean energy continues to grow, such agreements will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable operations and advancing U.S. energy dominance.

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