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Tag: push

  • Meta to add 100MW of solar power from US gear

    Meta to add 100MW of solar power from US gear

    Meta signed a deal yesterday with solar developer Silicon Ranch to develop a $100 million, 100-megawatt solar farm in South Carolina.

    The new renewable installation will power Meta’s planned AI data center in the state, which is expected to cost $800 million. Both the data center and the solar plant are expected to begin operations in 2027.

    Most of the equipment for the solar farm will be made in the U.S., according to the companies.

    The new deal is the 18th such agreement signed between Meta and Silicon Ranch. The renewable developer said the deals have helped drive over $2.5 billion in investments.

    Meta has added over 2 gigawatts of solar capacity this year alone. In June, it signed a deal with developer Invenergy for several projects in Ohio, and in May it said it was working with AES to build 650 megawatts of solar in Kansas and Texas. Meta is also working in Texas with Engie and Zelestra to develop nearly 800 megawatts of additional solar capacity.

    Like many hyperscalers, Meta has been tapping renewables like solar for two main reasons. One, it helps the company stick to its net-zero carbon emissions pledges. But perhaps more importantly, solar power is inexpensive and can be deployed quickly, helping reduce time-to-power, a key bottleneck for any new data center.

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    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    San Francisco
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    October 27-29, 2025

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  • X pulls the ability to like and follow from its developer API's free tier

    X pulls the ability to like and follow from its developer API's free tier

    In an effort to cut down on abuse and fake engagement, Elon Musk’s X is removing access to two key features of its developer API for those on the free plan. Now, free users will no longer be able to use the API to like posts on behalf of a user, nor follow other users.

    The company says these changes will help protect X’s platform from “spam, bots, and manipulative activities” that degrade the user experience.

    Developers on paid plans like the Basic, Pro, or Enterprise tiers will be unaffected. These plans also include access to more capabilities, higher rate limits, and support for a broader range of features.

    While restricting access to some of the most common actions on X could help cut down on programmatic abuse, it could also push developers with legitimate businesses or projects who want to continue to move toward paid plans.

    X has made a number of significant changes to its API platform under Musk, initially ending free access with little developer warning, then later changing its mind to support some free usage. When its new API pricing arrived in spring 2023, it was clear the company had revenue generation in mind, as its most bare-bones, basic plan would do little more than support those that were offering “good bots” — that is, automated accounts that provided useful information, like weather alerts.

    Last October, X increased the prices for its basic tier as well, from $100 to $200 per month, and added higher limits.

    We’re always looking to evolve, and by providing some insight into your perspective and feedback into TechCrunch and our coverage and events, you can help us! Fill out this survey to let us know how we’re doing and get the chance to win a prize in return!

    Techcrunch event

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW