Facebook signs PPA for 160 MW Virginia solar facility
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) has released details regarding the signing of a PPA with Facebook for a solar facility in Virginia. The Chester Solar project will support Facebook’s data centers in the region, including the Henrico Data Center, located nearby in Eastern Henrico County.
“The DESRI team is pleased to continue our strong relationship with Facebook, which, with the addition of Chester Solar, now totals over 650 MWac of contracted and operational clean power projects across the country,” said Hy Martin, chief development officer of DESRI. “This project will create jobs, tax revenue, and other local economic development as Virginia becomes a national leader in the new energy economy. This facility is one of several renewable energy projects that our team has planned for large load centers in the PJM territory.”
The 160 MWac solar facility will be built in Chesterfield County, Virginia. DESRI and Torch Clean Energy created a partnership to develop the project. The Chester Solar facility will supply Facebook with new clean solar energy, helping the company maintain its commitment to support its global operations with 100% renewable energy.
“We are excited to partner with DESRI once again to bring new solar energy to the grid,” said Urvi Parekh, head of renewable energy at Facebook. “This project will help us continue to support our global operations with 100% renewable energy and bring new investment and jobs to the state of Virginia.”
“Torch is proud to continue its strong partnership with DESRI and support Facebook’s renewable energy goals through Chester’s continued development,” said Jon Kilberg, president of Torch. “This project represents important economic investments in Virginia which will significantly increase the amount of carbon-free solar energy produced by the state.”
The Chester Solar project is expected to produce significant community benefits, including the creation of 200 construction jobs. A clean energy scholarship program will be launched by DESRI once the project is operational, which will help cultivate local talent by supporting graduating high school seniors who are interested in Virginia’s growing clean energy economy.
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