Bechtel to design and build major new Texas solar farm

Sabanci Renewables’ Cutlass Solar 2 project, currently under construction in Texas, is also being delivered by Bechtel (Image: Bechtel)

US contractor Bechtel has won a deal to design and build a new 232MWdc solar project in Victoria County, Texas.

The Oriana Solar project for Sabanci Renewables will produce enough energy to power more than 34,000 homes.

It will feature bifacial solar power technology that enables both sides of the panels to absorb sunlight.

The renewable power produced at Oriana Solar will be delivered to customers on the grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

Texas is the biggest producer of solar power in the United States after California. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Texas is expected to install more than 4 GW of capacity over the next five years.

Bechtel completed Cutlass Solar 1 for Advanced Power in January this year and recently passed the halfway construction point at Cutlass Solar 2 for Sabanci Renewables.

Combined, the Bechtel-built facilities in Texas, including Oriana, will provide enough renewable energy for nearly 100,000 homes.

Scott Austin, general manager of Bechtel’s Renewables & Clean Power business, said, “We’re delighted to expand our work with Sabanci to deliver a third renewable energy project for the people of Texas.

“We will be utilizing Bechtel’s 125 years of delivery expertise on this project, and as always, look to employ local people and suppliers to build a facility that will power communities with clean renewable energy for decades to come.”