EDP Renewables North America ( a renewable energy company) and Meta (a technology company) have entered into a long-term power purchase agreement for a new 250-megawatt solar energy project in Arkansas. The project, called Cypress Knee Solar, will be located in Chicot County and is expected to be completed by 2028.

A Growing Partnership Between Two Major Players

Cypress Knee Solar marks the third energy agreement between Meta and EDP Renewables North America, bringing the total procured energy between the two companies to 545 megawatts.

The deal extends what the companies describe as a multi-year collaboration aimed at expanding new energy infrastructure across the United States. Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDPR NA, framed the project as part of a broader effort to modernize the American power grid.

"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," Ganapathy said.

"These investments strengthen local communities, create durable economic value, and ensure that progress is built on a resilient, sustainable foundation." Amanda Yang, Head of Clean and Renewable Energy at Meta, said the project aligns with the company's ongoing push to bring new generation capacity onto the grid.

"Through our partnership with EDPR, Cypress Knee Solar will bring a new generation to the Arkansas grid, creating local jobs and delivering economic benefits to the community," Yang said. "We're proud to expand our collaboration with EDPR."

Supporting Meta's Clean Energy Goals

The agreement supports Meta's stated objective of matching 100 percent of its annual electricity use with new clean and renewable energy. The company has pursued a series of power purchase agreements with developers across the country as part of that commitment, and the EDPR NA relationship has become one of the more substantial in its portfolio.

Power purchase agreements of this type are long-term contracts through which a company agrees to buy electricity generated by a renewable project, typically before the project is built. They provide the financial certainty needed for developers to secure financing and move forward with construction.

Economic Impact for Chicot County

The project is expected to deliver significant financial benefits to the local community in Arkansas. Once operational, Cypress Knee Solar is projected to generate approximately USD 25 million in new revenue for Chicot County, funds that the companies say will help support essential public services and infrastructure improvements in the area.

During the construction phase, the project is expected to support several hundred jobs. EDPR NA did not provide a specific figure for the construction workforce, but described it as a meaningful source of short-term employment for the region.

Chicot County, located in the southeastern corner of Arkansas near the Mississippi River, is among the more economically challenged counties in the state. The arrival of a utility-scale solar project of this size represents a notable infusion of activity and tax revenue for local government.

Community Engagement Ahead of Construction

Alongside the commercial announcement, EDPR NA disclosed that it has already donated more than USD 77,000 to local institutions and community-based initiatives in Chicot County.

The contributions have included funding for the restoration of the Lakeside High School greenhouse, resources and supplies for the Lakeside Robotics team, and financial support for the Lake Village food pantry.

The donations reflect an approach EDPR NA has adopted across its project portfolio, making direct contributions to local communities in the areas where it is developing infrastructure. The company characterized this as part of its commitment to meaningful community partnership and collaboration.

EDPR NA's North American Footprint

EDP Renewables North America is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and operates across a wide footprint on the continent. The company currently has 61 wind farms, 29 solar parks, and four energy storage sites in operation, along with eight regional offices.

EDPR NA has developed more than 12,900 megawatts of renewable energy projects and operates more than 12,300 megawatts of onshore utility-scale capacity.

The company employs more than 1,000 people. EDPR NA is a subsidiary of EDP Renewables, the Portugal-based global renewable energy company. Its North American operations span wind, solar, and storage, with projects stretching across multiple regions of the United States and into Canada.

The Cypress Knee project adds to a recent wave of solar development completions and announcements from the company. EDPR NA recently celebrated the completion of Pleasantville Solar, a 150-megawatt project in Fulton County, Illinois, and separately announced the completion of a 720-kilowatt rooftop solar installation for a Mercedes-Benz USA parts distribution center in California through its distributed generation platform.

Timeline and Next Steps

Cypress Knee Solar is expected to reach completion by 2028, meaning construction activity in Chicot County is likely to ramp up in the coming years. The project will feed electricity onto the Arkansas grid under the terms of the long-term power purchase agreement with Meta. Neither company disclosed the specific contract length of the power purchase agreement or the financial terms of the deal beyond the projected county revenue figure.

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