June 15, 2026
Continue this week Projects weeklyCypress Creek Energy is in the news and making moves, selling a community solar portfolio in Illinois to 38 Degrees North while securing financing for a major project in Arkansas. In Texas, Meta has expanded their PPA partnerships with both Zelestra and RWE for two massive upcoming solar power plants. EDP Renewables and the nonprofit Salt River Project have completed the newest project in the state of Arizona, the 800 MWh Flatland Energy Storage battery system. Finally, in both Texas and North Carolina, MN8 Energy has struck a deal with Microsoft to send power to the tech giant at a cost of 260 MW. Keep reading for all the details!
Zelestra and Meta are expanding their collaboration with Palmera Solar Plant PPA
Zelestra and technology giant Meta have signed a new long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for the Palmera Solar Plant in Texas, the two companies announced.
The 180 MWdc plant, located in Freestone County in eastern Texas, will support Meta’s renewable energy goals in its data center efforts. The two companies currently have solar PPAs in the US covering approximately 1.4 GWdc of energy for Meta, all of which are expected to be fully operational by 2028.
“Meta is committed to bringing new renewable energy to the grid, and our growing relationship with Zelestra is helping make that possible at scale,” said Amanda Yang, Meta’s head of clean and renewable energy. “These projects not only advance our energy goals; they create jobs and deliver long-term value in the communities where they operate, and demonstrate what strong partnerships can achieve.”
Bright spot: At peak construction, the series of projects between Zelestra and Meta will support approximately 400 U.S. jobs. The Palmera project has just begun construction, according to a June 9 company statement.
“Our partnership with Meta continues to translate ambition into results. In just a few months, we brought Jasper County online, started construction on Skull Creek and Reclamation, and have now added Palmera to the portfolio,” said Phil North, CEO of Zelestra in the US. “Together we are accelerating the delivery of new energy infrastructure that supports Meta’s decarbonization goals while delivering long-term economic value in local communities.”
Platform for solar energy and distributed renewable energy 38 degrees north and energy infrastructure developer Cypress Creek Energy have closed a deal for a community solar portfolio for 16 projects in Illinois.
The group of projects totals 104 MW in the Land of Lincoln across 14 counties, officials say. The projects are all expected to deliver energy bill savings for subscribers by 2027 and are all expected to come online for customers in 2027.
“38DN is deeply committed to working with communities, developers and capital partners to advance community solar in the U.S., and especially in critical markets like Illinois,” said Jake Carney, co-founder and director of 38DN. “Our platform is built to develop, acquire, finance and operate distributed energy projects at scale, and this acquisition reflects this and our capabilities to support continued growth in this segment.”
Bright spot: In Illinois alone, Cypress Creek has developed more than 250 MW of distributed generation and solar across approximately 50 different projects. In 2025, the state added a total of 349 MW of community solar capacity, which ranks second in the US.
“Illinois continues to be a strong community solar market, and this portfolio reflects our long-standing commitment to developing high-quality projects that deliver real value to customers and communities,” said Jeffrey Meigel, Chief Investment Officer of Cypress Creek Energy. “We are pleased to work with 38DN to advance these projects and expand access to affordable, locally sourced energy throughout the region.”
Illinois will likely see more record solar installations for community applications and beyond, thanks to new policy changes signed by Governor Pritzker early this year.
EDP Renewables, SRP completes 800 MWh of Flatland Energy Storage in Arizona
EDP Renewable Energy Sources North America and non-profit electric utility Salt River Project (SRP) have completed Flatland Energy Storage, a 200 MW / 800 MWh battery project in Arizona.
Bright spot: The battery storage project has the capacity to power approximately 44,500 homes in Arizona, in turn strengthening the Grand Canyon State’s electrical grid. Providing reliable electric power during peak demand will also help support the state’s rising energy needs, the advent of AI data centers and the continued electrification of utilities.
“Energy storage plays a critical role in maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid, especially as demand continues to grow,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America. “Projects like Flatland Energy Storage ensure energy is available when it is needed most, while also delivering meaningful long-term benefits to the communities that host these projects.”
The project “demonstrates the increasing importance of utility-scale battery projects,” EDP said, when it comes to increasing network-wide flexibility. Within the EDP Group, Flatland Energy Storage is the largest project of its kind, officials say.
“Flatland Energy Storage is part of SRP’s above approach to providing our customers with reliable, affordable and sustainable power,” said Bobby Olsen, associate general manager and Chief Power System Executive of SRP. “SRP will continue to invest in battery energy storage assets as part of its growing resource portfolio.”
MN8 Energy is working with Microsoft on two projects worth 260 MW
MN8 Energy LLC has powered two large-scale solar projects totaling 260 MW in Texas and North Carolina, powering computer software Titan Microsoft through long-term power purchase agreements.
Bright spot: MN8’s Long Point Solar and American Beech projects in Texas and North Carolina, respectively, will provide power to two huge regions of need in the US. The projects are expected to generate “millions of dollars” in tax payments for local schools, roads and critical infrastructure services.
“As digital infrastructure scales in the US, energy solutions must scale with it,” said Moe Hanifi, SVP and head of revenue and commodities at MN8 Energy. “These projects deliver new solar capacity to two critical energy markets and highlight MN8’s role as a partner to Microsoft in achieving their sustainability goals.”
Long Point will be able to provide new solar energy for the Electrical Reliability Board of Texas (ERCOT) The Houston loading zone, one of the fastest growing regions on the entire Texas networks. Conversely, American Beech will send power to PJM interconnection as it is experiencing rapid infrastructural growth.
Cypress Creek Energy secures $3.5 billion for Steel River Energy Center
Cypress Creek Energy has announced the financial close of phases 1 and 2 of the Steel River Energy Center, a 2.45 GW solar energy storage facility and 2.9 GWh battery coming to Arkansas.
The $3.5 billion transaction will support the construction and long-term operation of the first two phases of the project. Those first phases alone represent 1.63 GW of solar and 1.9 GWh of battery storage capacity, making it easily the largest solar project in the state, and one of the largest in the country.
“This financing reflects both the scale of the project and the strong support we see in the capital markets for high-quality energy infrastructure projects, backed by experienced sponsors,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of Cypress Creek. “We appreciate the trust and cooperation of this exceptional group of financial institutions, many of whom we have worked with on previous transactions.
Bright spot: The financing process attracted “significant interest” from the lending and investment banking community, Cypress Creek officials say. The first two phases of the project have been fully subscribed by several banks and have also secured long-term power sales through a virtual power purchase agreement with an undisclosed “investment-grade corporate counterparty.”
“Together, we are advancing infrastructure that can help meet Arkansas and America’s rapidly growing demand for electricity while delivering long-term economic benefits to local communities,” Smith added.
Meta Expands Partnership with RWE through Long-Term Corporate PPA for Rabbit’s Foot Solar in North Texas
Meta, solar and storage developer RWE have expanded their partnership to include yet another project, Rabbit’s Foot Solar in North Texas.
This project will create nearly 200 jobs at peak construction, and over its 40-year lifespan, officials expect the site to generate approximately $50 million in tax revenue. The project is expected to start before early 2028, with company representatives hoping the energy will arrive even sooner.
“Our partnership with Meta continues to grow as we work together to deliver reliable power that supports their energy obligations,” said Ingmar Ritzenhofen, CCO of RWE Americas. “This agreement for the Rabbit’s Foot Solar project shows how collaboration can deliver meaningful economic growth and community benefits.
“By investing in Bowie County, we will not only create approximately 200 local construction jobs, but we will also generate significant long-term tax revenue that will help support schools, technical education programs, emergency services and critical road maintenance and infrastructure improvements throughout the community.”
Bright spot: This partnership represents the fourth power purchase agreement between Meta and RWE since 2024. Between Rabbit’s Foot Solar and the previously signed power purchase agreements between the two companies, the companies have signed agreements totaling 872 MW of solar and storage in the last two years alone.
“Thanks to our continued partnership with RWE, the Rabbit’s Foot Solar project will bring new generation to the Texas electric grid, while creating local jobs and delivering lasting economic benefits to Bowie County,” said Amanda Yang, chief clean and renewable energy officer at Meta. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with RWE with our extensive portfolio.”
Tags: BESS, commercial and industrial, Community Solar, project, Projects Weekly, storage, utility scale
