Lightsource bp and Toyota Motor North America have finalized a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for energy from the 231-MW Jones City 2 solar farm, part of the larger Jones City Energy Center, which began construction in spring 2025.
Credit: Toyota
This 15-year, fixed-rate power contract supports Toyota’s renewable energy goals while creating new construction jobs in Jones County, Texas.
“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% of our purchased electricity in North America with renewables.”
Spanning Jones City 1 Solar, Jones City 2 Solar and a planned energy storage facility, the 700-MW Jones City Energy Center will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 96,000 homes. The Jones City Energy Center will contribute $86 million in lifetime property taxes to support local public services. In March 2025, Lightsource bp also donated $195,000 to provide new beds and computers for the county’s last remaining hospital.
“Our commitment to Jones County extends well beyond generating renewable energy,” said Emilie Wangerman, CO and head of USA for Lightsource bp.“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 Jones City Energy Center will generate approximately 500 jobs, with a focus on local hiring. Lightsource bp’s engineering, procurement and construction contractor provides accredited apprenticeships during the build.
The Jones City Energy Center will support sustainable agriculture and promote biodiversity by grazing sheep under the solar panels, planting a mix of 24 native Texas plant species under and around the solar arrays and installing barn owl nesting boxes.
News item from Lightsource bp
