New Facebook data center in Oregon to be fully solar-powered
Under an agreement between Pacific Power and Facebook, a data center for the social media company in Prineville, Oregon, will be entirely supported by solar power.
As a result of the agreement, 437 megawatts of new solar developments will be made, 100 of which will be created in the Prineville area. Such green efforts are something Facebook’s representatives said have been a company goal for a long time.
“Our work with Pacific Power to develop new solar resources represents a significant milestone for our hyper-efficient Prineville Data Center,” Peter Freed, Facebook’s energy strategy manager, said. ”We are committed to supporting 100 percent renewable energy, and we are thrilled to have found a solution for our first data center. We are proud to be a part of the Prineville community, and look forward to a continued partnership with the city and the state of Oregon.”
The Prineville location first opened in 2011, bringing with it an influx of jobs and an economic boom. Pacific Power’s interest in the case is two-fold: they see it as a way for Facebook to meet its sustainability goals and for Prineville to continue growth.
“We are expanding from our timber roots to a future with greater business diversity and a workforce with broader skills,” Prineville Mayor Betty Jean Roppe said. “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. This inspires new paths and opportunities for future generations, right here in town.”
