Zelestra Secured $350 Million for Indiana Solar Project
The energy developer will build a 203 MW solar array on former coal mining land in southwest Indiana.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Data Centers
Live Poll
Do you believe industrial renewable energy projects on reclaimed mining land provide genuine community benefits?
Zelestra has finalized $350 million in green financing to construct the 203 MW Reclamation Solar project. The site, located on former coal mining land in southwest Indiana, will utilize 325,000 bifacial modules.
Why it matters
This project features a long-term power purchase agreement with Meta, linking large-scale tech infrastructure needs to regional renewable energy development. The project also prioritizes land reclamation and biodiversity restoration on reclaimed mining sites.
The Reclamation Solar project boasts a 203 MW generation capacity through the installation of 325,000 bifacial solar modules. The development is supported by a 16 GW total project pipeline currently held by the developer in the U.S.
The players
Zelestra
A Madrid-based renewable energy developer that manages a wide-reaching infrastructure portfolio across the United States.
Meta
A global technology company that has signed a long-term power purchase agreement to support the solar energy generated by the site.
The details
The funding was provided through a banking syndicate including CIBC, BBVA, and Societe Generale. The facility leverages a long-term power purchase agreement to ensure financial stability for the development.
Timeline
Zelestra secured over $1 billion in total project financing throughout 2026.
The Reclamation Solar project is scheduled to come online by the end of 2027.
The Tech Race
This development reflects the broader industry trend of converting legacy coal mining sites into sustainable energy assets. By bridging the gap between traditional industrial land use and modern renewable needs, the project sets a precedent for how energy developers address land restoration.
Local residents will see the transformation of former mining land into a functioning renewable energy site. The project contributes to regional environmental restoration while providing clean power for the tech infrastructure that supports common digital services.
The takeaway
Large-scale solar projects are increasingly utilizing repurposed industrial land to meet the growing energy demands of tech giants. This shift highlights a collaborative model where corporate renewable energy goals drive both land rehabilitation and infrastructure growth.
Further reading
Learn more about the infrastructure supporting the digital economy in Indiana Data Centers.
Live Poll
Do you believe industrial renewable energy projects on reclaimed mining land provide genuine community benefits?
