Lightsource bp and Toyota Motor North America have finalized a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for electricity from the 231MW Jones City 2 solar farm, which is part of the larger Jones City Energy Center. Construction of the project began in spring 2025. The agreement spans 15 years at a fixed rate, supporting Toyota’s renewable energy goals while also providing significant economic and workforce benefits to Jones County, Texas.
Tim Hilgeman, environmental sustainability general manager at Toyota, said that the company continues to prioritize renewable energy while seeking to improve the communities where it operates. He noted that the virtual power purchase from Jones City alone has the potential to supply more than 20 percent of Toyota’s purchased electricity in North America from renewable sources.
Emilie Wangerman, Chief Operating Officer and Head of USA for Lightsource bp, emphasized that the partnership goes beyond generating renewable energy. She explained that the Jones City Energy Center, in collaboration with partners like Toyota, is helping to create jobs, provide workforce training, and make local investments that strengthen the economic landscape in the region. She added that these efforts aim to support families, businesses, and the community for decades to come.
The Jones City Energy Center, which includes Jones City 1 Solar, Jones City 2 Solar, and a planned energy storage facility, is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 96,000 homes. Over its lifetime, the project will contribute around $86 million in property taxes to support local public services. In addition, Lightsource bp made a donation of $195,000 in March 2025 to provide new beds and computers for the county’s last remaining hospital.
During the construction phase, the project is expected to create about 500 jobs, with a focus on hiring locally. Lightsource bp’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractor is also offering accredited apprenticeships for workers, providing opportunities for skill development in the renewable energy sector.
The project also incorporates sustainable agriculture and biodiversity initiatives. Sheep will graze under the solar panels, a mix of 24 native Texas plant species will be planted under and around the solar arrays, and barn owl nesting boxes will be installed to support local wildlife. These measures demonstrate the project’s commitment not only to clean energy but also to environmental stewardship and community development.
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