Bechtel today announced it has been selected by Sabanci Renewables, a subsidiary of Sabanci Holdings, to design and construct a new 232MWdc solar project in Victoria County, Texas.
The new Oriana Solar facility is expected to produce enough clean energy to power more than 34,000 homes. It will include highly efficient bifacial solar panel 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).
Sabanci Renewables' Cutlass Solar 2 project, currently under construction in Texas, is also being delivered by Bechtel.
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 to become the national leader of generated solar power. Bechtel is proud to build solar facilities across the state. We 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.
“We’re delighted to expand our work with Sabanci to deliver a third renewable energy project for the people of Texas,” said Scott Austin, general manager of Bechtel’s Renewables & Clean Power business. “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.”
“We are happy to execute another important renewable project for our portfolio with Bechtel and play a key role in energy transition,” said Ismail Bilgin, CEO of Sabanci Renewables. “We will continue to invest in renewables and contribute to the local economy while creating a sustainable future for future generations.”
Bechtel will design and deliver the solar project, including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project management. Construction is set to begin early next year and be completed in mid-2025.
About Sabanci Renewables
Sabanci Renewables, a subsidiary of leading Turkish conglomerate Sabanci Holding, is a renewable energy developer in the US aiming to develop and operate a 1 GW renewable portfolio by 2025. The company focuses on utility scale solar, onshore wind and battery projects; mainly in ERCOT, MISO and PJM markets. Following the company’s establishment in June 2022, Sabanci first acquired 272 MW Cutlass Solar 2 project in October 2022. With Oriana Solar, the company will command more than 500 MW and will reach an important level in its initial investment plan. www.sabanci.com
