Meta and EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) have announced the signing of a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for Cypress Knee Solar, a new 250-megawatt (MW) facility to be developed in Chicot County, Arkansas. The agreement is part of Meta’s ongoing commitment to match 100% of its global electricity consumption with new renewable energy generation.
Cypress Knee Solar marks the third major energy collaboration between the two companies, bringing their total joint procurement to 545 MW as they continue to scale renewable infrastructure across the United States.
The project is designed to inject significant new capacity into the local Arkansas grid, supporting broader efforts to modernise American energy infrastructure. The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2028.
“Cypress Knee Solar and our broader portfolio of projects with Meta are helping power a reliable, modern U.S. electric grid—the backbone of American innovation and long-term economic growth,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDPR NA. She added that such investments are vital for ensuring American energy independence and expanding domestic economic opportunity.
Amanda Yang, Head of Clean and Renewable Energy at Meta, echoed these sentiments, noting that the project would bring “new generation to the Arkansas grid, creating local jobs and delivering economic benefits to the community.”
The development is projected to provide a substantial financial boost to Chicot County. Once the facility begins operations, it is expected to generate approximately $25 million in new revenue for the county, providing critical funding for public services and infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the construction phase is anticipated to support several hundred local jobs.
Beyond the direct economic contributions, EDPR NA has already begun a programme of local community investment. The company has donated more than $77,000 to initiatives in Chicot County, including:
- Education: Restoring the Lakeside High School greenhouse and providing resources for the Lakeside Robotics team.
- Social Services: Funding for the Lake Village food pantry to support local food security.
The partnership highlights the growing trend of major technology firms acting as primary catalysts for regional energy transitions, combining large-scale decarbonisation goals with targeted community development.
