Meta Platforms, Inc. has just released its newest sustainability playbook. The firm won two contracts in Louisiana to buy the environmental attributes of a total 385 megawatts of power. The utility is aggressively making the shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This is a major step toward lowering its carbon footprint.
Through the Louisiana deals, Meta intends to fulfill its commitment to purchase Environmental Attributes Certificates (EACs) – Louisiana’s variant of renewable energy certificates. These certificates will technically compensate for the carbon emissions associated with its electricity use. These certificates came about decades ago when renewables were relatively more costly than their fossil fuel generation counterparts. Moreover, the projects associated with these agreements will be completed within two years. This timeline would serendipitously match Meta’s sustainability targets to be net-positive for the long-term.
Meta has poured more than $75 million into that solar farm and others around the country, including one near Lubbock, Texas. This creates on their continued adventures in Louisiana. The firm has procured 600 megawatts of power from a large-scale solar electric plant. This strategic move will not only strengthen the local grid, but lower electricity usage at Meta’s new facilities. The proactive approach to integrating these renewable sources further reflects Meta’s dedication to sustainability and resource-conscious energy use.
Tim De Chant, senior climate reporter at TechCrunch, underscored the importance of these advances. De Chant’s PhD is in environmental science, policy, and management from the University of California, Berkeley. He received a BA in environmental studies, English and biology from St. Olaf College, providing him with a strong foundation for reporting on climate-related stories. He is a lecturer in MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing. In 2018, he was awarded one of the most prestigious science fellowships in the world – the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT. In this fellowship, he worked at the intersection of climate technologies and journalism, experimenting with new business models for indie journalism powered by clean tech.
Tim De Chant is a former scientist and deeply curious about cities, technology, and the environment. In the podcast, he shares keen observations on renewable energy trends and corporate sustainability strategies. These insights provide important context for understanding the implications of Meta’s increasing role in the energy sector.
The next project linked to these agreements to begin commercial operations will be in 2027. This new expansion will add to Meta’s already impressive renewable energy portfolio. These initiatives are evidence of the company’s seriousness and commitment to climate change, while making clear that they are mindful of their operational needs.
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