Construction of an extensive solar farm in New Texas has been completed

A Texas solar farm larger than Central Park has started generating power at full capacity, the company that built it said. Known for its 100% digital delivery method, the Cutlass Solar 2 plant represents significant advancements in both renewable energy production and construction technology.

Context

The 1,000-acre project, located in Fort Bend, Texas, was constructed using a fully digital process, marking a departure from traditional construction methods. This approach not only streamlined the construction process but also increased the efficiency and accuracy of project management, said Bechtel, the American company responsible for building the farm.

What we know

The plant has a capacity of 272 MW DC (megawatts of direct current) and is expected to provide enough electricity to power approximately 40,000 homes per year. The project used advanced digital tools during the design and construction stages, ensuring precision and reducing potential delays.

Bechtel’s digital execution approach included data-driven automation, research robots, machine-guided equipment and drones, which collectively facilitated 100% digital execution.

At its peak, construction employed more than 300 workers, with the press release noting the significant diversity of the workforce, including a significant percentage of women, which it said was well above the industry average.

The Cutlass Solar 2 project represents a significant advance in renewable energy, saving approximately 600,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

This is Bechtel’s second solar project in Texas, following the successful completion of Cutlass Solar 1, which was completed in January 2023.

The two Cutlass Solar farms will be able to power more than 60,000 Texas homes each year.

Views

Scott Austin, Bechtel’s CEO of Renewables and Clean Energy, said in a press release: “We are thrilled to make the most of Cutlass Solar 2 to provide Texans with more renewable energy, support America’s energy transition and help achieve Lone Star status. state’s goal is to become the nation’s largest producer of solar energy.”

Texas has the second-most installed megawatt solar capacity of any state, according to an analysis by Solar Energy Insights.

Total capacity is about 6,751 MW, which is just ahead of North Carolina (about 6,486 MW) but second only to California (about 29,218 MW).

What’s next

With Cutlass Solar 2 now fully operational, Bechtel is partnering with Sabanci Climate Technologies on their next project, Oriana Solar, in Victoria County, Texas.

The new facility is expected to produce enough clean energy to power an additional 34,000 homes.

“Bechtel is proud to partner with Sabanci Climate Technologies in its efforts to provide greater access to clean, renewable energy to Texas residents,” Austin said in a news release.