Apple is teaming up with NV Energy to build an additional 200 megawatts of solar energy production in Nevada by early 2019, to help power its data center campus in Reno.

The technology giant first opened a data center in the region in 2012, currently consisting of 14 buildings and consuming an estimated 35MW, and is set to expand it further with a whole new adjacent campus.

Aiming for 100 percent renewable

“We are proud to play a role in helping Apple meet their energy needs with Nevada’s abundant solar resource,” said Paul Caudill, president and CEO of NV Energy.

“In partnership with our customers, we continue to develop a more balanced fuel mix in a way that benefits the local economy by providing hundreds of jobs for Nevadans, particularly those in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 357 and 396, and advances the state’s policy goals.”

NV Energy will file an application with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada “in the coming weeks” to enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the solar power plant.

Lisa Jackson, Apple’s VP for environment, policy and social initiatives, added: “Investing in innovative clean energy sources is vital to Apple’s commitment to reaching, and maintaining, 100 percent renewable energy across all our operations.

“Our partnership with NV Energy helps assure our customers their iMessages, FaceTime video chats and Siri inquiries are powered by clean energy, and supports efforts to offer the choice of green energy to Nevada residents and businesses.”

Five megawatts of power from Apple’s solar farm will be given to NV Energy’s future subscription solar program for residential and commercial customers. This may happen through Apple’s recently-formed Apple Energy subsidiary, created to sell excess renewable energy.