March 5, 2026
Renewable energy company Zelestra has broken ground on two projects in Texas known as Echols Grove and Cedar Range. With a total of 441 MWdc, the projects are Zelestra’s largest in the US
Zelestra supervises the construction of both projects itself instead of outsourcing them McCarthy Construction Companies will act as the lead EPC contractor for both jobs. The company says construction started early this year in January and both sites should be online by the end of 2027.
Once online, the projects will also count towards the company’s energy partnership with tech titan Meta, said Phil North, CEO of Zelestra US. In total, the two companies have partnership agreements for seven different projects in the US
“Following our rapid growth in 2025, Zelestra’s expansion across the U.S. energy landscape continues to accelerate in 2026,” said North. “Echols Grove and Cedar Range are two major projects in our partnership with Meta, which will soon bring 1.2 GW of new clean energy capacity online in the US.”
The company expanded that partnership with Meta earlier this year, he signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Mark Zuckerberg-led tech company for Zelestra’s 176 MWdc Skull Creek Solar Plant. The Skull Creek facility, also located in Texas, will match Meta’s electrical operating levels with 100% renewable energy.
Improvement of the market position
In addition to meeting Meta’s electrical needs, the two ongoing solar projects strengthen Zelestra’s presence in the North American solar space. The company’s most recent venture – the 81 MWdc Jasper County Solar Project in Indiana – came online in late 2025. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the company now has a portfolio of approximately 15 GW of renewable energy projects, including solar.
The two Texas-based projects are expected to create about 400 jobs in the area, Zelestra officials say, and generate about $20 million in local spending for the northeastern part of the state.
“Breakthrough of the Echols Grove and Cedar Range solar facilities represents more than just new energy infrastructure; it is a long-term investment in Texas communities,” said Patel. “These projects will generate quality jobs and create opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, while prioritizing safety and workforce development. We are proud to partner with Zelestra to deliver reliable, domestically produced energy in a way that reflects the values of the communities we serve.”
The other projects in Zelestra’s agreement with Meta are expected to be operational in 2028, including the two new Texas projects.
Tags: ERCOT, Meta, projects, Texas, utility scale, Zelestra
