Lightsource bp and Toyota Motor North America have entered into a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for renewable energy generated from the 231 MW Jones City 2 Solar Farm. This project is part of the larger Jones City Energy Center, whose construction began in spring 2025. The agreement is a fixed-rate contract that allows Toyota to support renewable energy generation while advancing its long-term sustainability and emissions reduction goals.
Through this arrangement, Toyota will virtually purchase clean electricity from the solar project, helping it offset a significant portion of its power consumption in North America. According to Tim Hilgeman, Toyota continues to invest in renewable energy solutions as part of its broader commitment to sustainability and community well-being.
He also noted that the VPPA from Jones City alone could help match more than 20 percent of Toyota’s purchased electricity in North America with renewable sources. The project developer, Lightsource bp, emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond clean energy production. Emilie Wangerman explained that the Jones City Energy Center is designed to create long-term value for Jones County, Texas, by supporting job creation, workforce training, and local investment. She added that partnerships like this help strengthen the regional economy and provide broader benefits for families and businesses in the area.
The Jones City Energy Center is a large renewable energy development that includes Jones City 1 Solar, Jones City 2 Solar, and a planned energy storage facility. Once fully operational, the project will have a total capacity of around 700 MW. It is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 96,000 homes, significantly contributing to the clean energy supply in the region.
Beyond energy production, the project is also expected to deliver substantial economic benefits. Over its lifetime, it is projected to contribute around $86 million in property tax revenue, helping support essential public services in the local community. In addition, Lightsource bp donated $195,000 in March 2025 to support local healthcare infrastructure, including new hospital beds and computers for the county’s only remaining hospital.
During its construction phase, the energy center is expected to create around 500 jobs, with a focus on hiring local workers. The project’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractor is also providing accredited apprenticeship opportunities, helping build long-term skills in the renewable energy workforce. The project includes several sustainability and land-use initiatives designed to support the environment alongside energy generation.
These include grazing sheep under the solar panels, planting a diverse mix of 24 native Texas plant species around the site, and installing barn owl nesting boxes to support local biodiversity. Overall, the VPPA between Lightsource bp and Toyota Motor North America reflects a growing trend of corporate renewable energy partnerships that not only support clean energy targets but also deliver long-term economic, environmental, and community benefits.
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