Bechtel completes 218 MW Cutlass Solar 2 project in Texas

The Bechtel-built Cutlass Solar 2 project in Fort Bend, Texas, is complete and producing electricity at full capacity for the first time. The 218 MW photovoltaic installation delivered to Sabanci Climate Technologies consists of almost half a million solar panels spread over 1,100 acres.

The project is currently transmitting enough clean renewable energy to the grid to power 40,000 homes, a milestone ahead of its 13-month delivery schedule. Cutlass Solar 2 is the second solar installation in Texas built by Bechtel, which completed construction of the adjacent Cutlass Solar 1 plant in January 2023. Combined, Cutlass Solar 1 and Cutlass Solar 2 will power 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 achieve the Lone Star States’ goal of becoming the nation’s largest producer of solar energy,” said Scott Austin, Bechtel GM Renewables and Clean Energy energy. “Bechtel is proud to partner with Sabanci Climate Technologies in their quest to provide greater availability of clean, renewable energy to Texas residents.”

To meet the ambitious project schedule, Bechtel employed data-driven automation, research robots, machine-guided equipment, drones and an attitude that every minute counts. Bechtel’s first-of-its-kind digital execution center featured on Cutlass Solar 2 enabled 100% digital delivery through software integration. The center collects data directly from equipment in the field and inputs it into an interactive map-based visualization. You can watch a video about Bechtel’s Smart Digital Delivery in Cutlass Projects here.

“For our first solar venture, we partnered with Bechtel because they are experts in implementing projects better and faster,” said Ismail Bilgin, president of Sabanci Climate Technologies. “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.”

At the peak of construction, more than 300 people were employed at the Cutlass Solar 2 construction site. Approximately 30% of Bechtel’s professional staff and 15% of participating craftspeople were women, which is two and a half times the industry average.

Bechtel manages renewable energy projects from the development phase through commissioning and handover. The company will soon 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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