Lightsource bp and Toyota Motor North America have signed a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for electricity generated from the 231MW Jones City 2 Solar Farm, part of the larger 700MW Jones City Energy Center, which began construction in spring 2025. This fixed-rate contract supports Toyota’s renewable energy targets while bringing economic and workforce benefits to the local community.
Advancing Toyota’s Renewable Energy Goals
“Toyota continues to support renewable energy sources while working to improve the lives of people in communities where we work and live,” said Tim Hilgeman, Environmental Sustainability General Manager at Toyota.
“Toyota has a goal to match or source our electricity needs with renewables. Toyota’s virtual power purchase from Jones City alone has the potential to match more than 20 percent of our purchased electricity in North America with renewables.”
Economic and Workforce Impact
Emilie Wangerman, Chief Operating Officer and Head of USA for Lightsource bp, emphasized the broader benefits of the project:
“With power partners like Toyota, the Jones City Energy Center is driving job creation, workforce training, and local investments that will strengthen the business landscape throughout the region. Together, we’re supporting greater economic opportunity to empower families, businesses, and the entire community for decades to come.”
During construction, the project is expected to generate approximately 500 jobs, with a focus on local hiring. Accredited apprenticeship programs are also being provided through Lightsource bp’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractors.
Jones City Energy Center Overview
The 700MW Jones City Energy Center, which includes Jones City 1, Jones City 2, and a planned energy storage facility, will generate enough electricity to power roughly 96,000 homes. The facility is expected to contribute $86 million in lifetime property taxes, supporting local public services. In March 2025, Lightsource bp donated $195,000 for new beds and computers for the county’s last remaining hospital.
Sustainability and Biodiversity Initiatives
The project promotes sustainable agriculture and biodiversity, including sheep grazing under solar panels, planting 24 native Texas plant species, and installing barn owl nesting boxes, ensuring the solar farm integrates environmentally friendly practices alongside clean energy generation.
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