Solar Energy To Power Facebook Data Center

Facebook’s data center in Prineville, Oregon will be supported by 100 percent renewables from new solar energy developments announced early today. 

Facebook’s partnership with Pacific Power will result in 437 megawatts of new solar power capacity being constructed, including two solar farms totaling 100 megawatts to be built in the Prineville area.

It’s more good news for what was previously a struggling timber town. The social networking giant has had a significant impact on Prineville, which saw its unemployment rate drop from 17 percent when Facebook opened its first data center in Prineville in 2011, to 6.5 percent today. More than 350 people are working full-time at the data center, which already has solar panels on-site to power its offices, making it a major employer in the town of ~10,000 people.

“It is through contributions and support from organizations like Facebook and Pacific Power, that Prineville is growing new jobs and strengthening our schools with programs that meet the skills needs of tomorrow,” said Prineville Mayor Betty Jean Roppe.

100% Renewable Energy Goal

Facebook says it is committed to powering its overall operations with 100% renewables and is aiming to have at  least 50% renewable energy in its company-wide energy mix this year.

Earlier this year, it was announced a Facebook data center under construction in Papillion, Nebraska will be powered by the Rattlesnake Creek wind farm through a power purchase agreement (PPA). Expected to start operations by the end of 2018, the wind farm will have an installed capacity of 320 MW and generate around 1.3 TWh of clean electricity a year.

Other Facebook data centers powered by 100% renewable energy include facilities in Luleå, Sweden, Altoona, Iowa, and Fort Worth, Texas.

In 2016, Facebook’s total carbon footprint was 718,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e). Offices and other business activity accounted for 28% of its carbon footprint, with 72% from its data centers. Aside from emissions reductions, renewable energy is proving to be a cost-effective way for Facebook to power its operations.

Pacific Power’s Renewables Portfolio

As for Pacific Power, the company says wind, hydro and geothermal resources currently make up more than 30 percent of its generating capacity. Pacific Power owns 13 wind farm projects and purchases additional wind and solar energy resources. The company states it will add 1,150 megawatts of new wind energy capacity and upgrade or “repower” 999 MW of its existing wind fleet by 2020.

Looking further ahead, Pacific Power’s updated preferred portfolio by the end of 2036 includes over 2,700 MW of new wind resources and 1,860 MW of new solar energy capacity. Meanwhile, coal power will be reduced by 3,650MW by the same year.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Pacific Power provides electricity services to 756,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California.