Mon Mar 31 06:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Solar Power Booms as AI Fuels Data Center Expansion
**[City, State] –** The rapid expansion of data centers driven by the artificial intelligence boom is unexpectedly boosting the solar power industry. According to JLL, data center power demand is projected to double by 2029, prompting tech giants to aggressively secure energy capacity. While nuclear and natural gas are also seeing increased demand, solar energy is experiencing a surge in investment due to its speed of deployment, cost-effectiveness, and proven technology.
Tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are leading the charge, signing significant power purchase agreements (PPAs) for massive solar projects across the globe. Meta alone has announced several large deals, totaling hundreds of megawatts of capacity, with various renewable energy developers in Texas, Spain, and elsewhere. Microsoft has also significantly expanded its solar portfolio with multiple deals in the Midwest and Texas, aligning with its commitment to carbon-neutral operations. Amazon has invested in a hybrid wind-solar-hydro project in the Iberian Peninsula. This trend extends internationally, with data center operators in India and South America also investing in large-scale solar installations.
The speed of solar farm deployment, averaging around 18 months, offers a significant advantage over other energy sources. Coupled with its low cost and established technology, solar power is proving to be a highly attractive solution for the energy-intensive needs of the expanding data center industry. Analysts predict this trend of large-scale solar investments by tech companies will continue as the AI sector continues its rapid growth.