Bechtel is accelerating the future of clean energy with the completion of the Cutlass Solar 2 project in Texas

The Bechtel-built Cutlass Solar 2 project in Fort Bend, Texas, is now complete and generating electricity at full capacity. This milestone, achieved ahead of the 13-month delivery schedule, ensures enough clean, renewable energy will be sent onto the grid to power 40,000 homes.

The 218 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic installation, developed for Sabanci Climate Technologies, covers an area of ​​1,100 acres and consists of almost half a million solar panels. The project is expected to save approximately 600,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Cutlass Solar 2 is the second solar facility built by Bechtel in Texas, following the completion of the adjacent Cutlass Solar 1 facility in January 2023. Combined, the two facilities will provide renewable energy to more than 60,000 homes across Texas.

“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 the Lone Star State’s goal of becoming the nation’s largest producer of solar energy,” he said Scott Austin, Bechtel’s CEO of Renewable Energy and Clean Energy. “Bechtel is proud to partner with Sabanci Climate Technologies in their quest to provide greater availability of clean, renewable energy to Texas residents.”

Ismail Bilgin, CEO of Sabanci Climate Technologies, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating: “We partnered with Bechtel for our first solar venture because they are experts in executing projects better and faster. Sending maximum power to the Texas grid is a fantastic milestone in this successful project and confirms that we made the right choice for Bechtel. We look forward to continuing this success with our next project together, “Oriana.”

To meet the ambitious schedule, Bechtel employed advanced technologies such as data-driven automation, research robots, machine-guided equipment and drones. Their digital execution center enabled 100% digital execution through software integration, collecting data directly from field equipment for interactive map-based visualization.

At the peak of construction, there were over 300 workers on site, with women making up around 30% of specialist staff and 15% of craftsmen, which was well above the industry average.

Bechtel, which manages renewable energy projects from development through commissioning and handover, is scheduled to begin construction of the Oriana Solar facility for Sabanci Climate Technologies in Victoria County, Texas. Oriana Solar is expected to produce enough clean energy to power over 34,000 homes.

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