New solar operation will power Meta’s data center in Kuna

A recent groundbreaking in Kuna will ultimately yield 100% clean energy in the next 22 years, supplying power to the same grid used by Facebook parent company Meta.

The new solar facility, dubbed the Pleasant Valley Solar project, is the largest of its kind contracted with the Idaho Power system and construction will be completed by 2025.

Along with the clean-energy goal, the facility aims to help Meta reach its goal of supporting 100% of its operations with renewable energy and help the state reach energy independence, power grid resiliency and economic growth, according to a release.

Matrix Renewables, headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and Salt Lake City-based rPlus Energies are building the facility in Ada County, where Meta’s data center is located.

Matrix acquired a controlling interest in the facility project from rPlus earlier this year.

“This groundbreaking is the next big step toward making the Pleasant Valley Solar project a reality for the people and future of Idaho, supporting it’s transition to locally produced clean, green energy,” said Cindy Tindell, managing director and head of U.S. operations for Matrix.

The construction is expected to use many local companies, creating about 220 jobs.

While the first Pleasant Valley project is expected to be completed by 2025, a second project will be finished in 2026. The first project is expected to generate 200 megawatt alternating currents and 261 megawatt defined conditions.

“rPlus is proud to work with Meta and Idaho Power as long-term partners to help achieve their sustainability goals and manage the region’s transition to renewable energy,” said Luigi Resta, president and CEO of rPlus Energies. “We are equally proud to partner with Matrix Renewables, who share our deep respect and commitment to renewable power generation for Ada County and the surrounding community.”

Sundt Renewables will provide the engineering, procurement and construction services, Nextracker will provide racking, BODEC will provide the high-voltage electrical contracting services and ET Solar will provide the solar modules for the project.