Zelestra proceeds with construction of two Texas projects
Renewable energy company Zelestra has broken ground on two projects in Texas, known as Echols Grove and Cedar Range. Totaling 441 MWdc, the projects are Zelestra’s largest the U.S.
Zelestra itself is overseeing the construction of both projects rather than contracting it out, and McCarthy Building Companies will serve as the lead EPC contractor for both jobs. The company says construction began early this year in January, and both sites should be online by the end of 2027.
Once online, the projects will also count toward the company’s energy partnership with tech titan Meta, according to Zelestra U.S. CEO Phil North. In total, the two firms have partnership agreements for seven different projects across the U.S.
“Following our rapid growth in 2025, Zelestra’s expansion in the U.S. energy landscape continues to accelerate in 2026,” North says. “Echols Grove and Cedar Range are two major projects in our partnership with Meta, which will see 1.2 GW of new clean energy capacity online in the U.S. soon.”
The company expanded that partnership with Meta earlier this year, inking a power purchase agreement (PPA) deal with the Mark Zuckerberg-led tech firm for Zelestra’s 176-MWdc Skull Creek Solar Plant. Also located in Texas, the Skull Creek facility will match Meta’s electrical operation levels with 100% renewable energy.
Advancing market position
In addition to helping out Meta’s electrical needs, the two in-progress solar projects are strengthening Zelestra’s presence in the North American solar space. The company’s most recent endeavor — Indiana’s 81-MWdc Jasper County Solar Project — came online at the tail end of 2025. The firm, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, now boasts a portfolio of about 15 GW of renewable energy projects, solar included.
The two Texas-based projects are expected to create about 400 jobs in the area, Zelestra officials say, and generate about $20 million in local spending for the northeastern area of the state.
“Breaking ground on the Echols Grove and Cedar Range solar facilities represents more than new energy infrastructure — it’s a long-term investment in Texas communities,” Patel says. “These projects will generate quality jobs and create opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, while prioritizing safety and workforce development. We’re proud to partner with Zelestra to deliver reliable, domestically produced energy in a way that reflects the values of the communities we serve.”
The other projects in Zelestra’s agreement with Meta are scheduled to be operational by 2028, the two new Texan projects included.
