Renewables
Edpr begins construction on 250-MW arkansas solar farm
EDP Renewables North America has started building the Cypress Knee Solar facility in Chicot County, backed by a corporate power purchase agreement.
Key points
- The 250-megawatt Cypress Knee Solar project is scheduled for completion by 2028.
- Meta secured a long-term power purchase agreement to support its renewable energy targets.
- The installation is projected to contribute $25 million in revenue to Chicot County over its operational lifetime.
Project scope and timeline
EDP Renewables North America has commenced construction activities at the Cypress Knee Solar installation located within Chicot County, Arkansas, according to reports from EDP Global and EnergyTech. Scheduled for completion by 2028, the utility-scale renewable energy facility will supply 250 megawatts of generation capacity to the regional power network.
The initiative relies on a corporate power purchase agreement executed with Meta, aligning with the technology firm's objective to match its annual electricity consumption entirely with renewable sources. EDP Renewables anticipates that the site will yield approximately $25 million in financial returns for Chicot County throughout its operational lifespan.
Local impact and company background
During the peak phase of construction, the development is expected to support several hundred employment opportunities, engaging regional contractors, suppliers, and workers. In addition to infrastructure investments, EDP Renewables North America directed over $77,000 toward regional community programs in Chicot County during the planning stages. These contributions funded the restoration of a high school greenhouse, robotics equipment, and a food pantry in Lake Village, as reported by EDP Global.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the developer manages a substantial portfolio across North America. According to corporate disclosures, the firm has successfully developed more than 12,900 megawatts and currently operates in excess of 12,300 megawatts of onshore utility-scale wind, solar, and storage assets.
Why it matters
Corporate power purchase agreements remain a vital instrument for advancing utility-scale infrastructure, particularly as demand escalates among data centers and industrial operators. Globally, the transition toward cleaner generation is advancing; World Bank figures indicate that renewables accounted for 27.8 percent of global electricity output in 2021.
For energy investors and developers across emerging and established markets, corporate procurement models demonstrate how private capital can accelerate grid decarbonisation while securing long-term revenue stability. In regions where electricity access remains a pressing priority—standing at 91.9 percent globally in 2024 according to World Bank metrics—attracting similar long-term commercial commitments could help bridge critical infrastructure financing gaps.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
27.8% of electricity in the world was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
