New 400MW solar power plant to come up at San Antonio, US

CPS Energy and OCI Solar Power have signed a contract to construct a 400MW of solar energy plant in San Antonio, Texas, US.

As part of the agreement, CPS Energy will buy clean energy from OCI Solar Power under a 25-year power purchase and economic development agreement.

The new solar project is expected to generate enough electricity for nearly 70,000 local households, or about 10% of San Antonio’s customers.

A consortium of partners has been created by OCI Solar Power to deliver 400MW of solar to CPS Energy, and the consortium will build facilities in San Antonio to produce components for solar power generation such as modules, trackers and inverters.

It is estimated to enable the set up of $100m high-tech US manufacturing operation in south San Antonio., with 800-plus professional and technical jobs.

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro said it an extraordinary approach that fits perfectly with the city’s long-range SA2020 goals of providing more affordable, clean energy and hundreds of jobs for the community.

"CPS Energy’s pursuit of clean energy and energy efficiency has attracted seven clean technology companies and a commitment, thus far, of a million dollars to local education," Castro said.

CPS Energy president and CEO Doyle Beneby said, "With 400 megawatts of solar, we attain zero-emissions energy to help hedge against environmental regulations; provide much needed generation during peak demand; and obtain affordable renewables while enhancing job opportunities for our customers and economic development for the entire region."

OCI Solar Power Tony Dorazio said, "We are proud to deliver clean, renewable energy to CPS Energy customers, and around mid-2013, we are committed to bringing the first 50 megawatts of solar power online in the CPS Energy service area."

San Antonio-based Nexolon America is the anchor manufacturer in the consortium, and it manufactures N-type high efficiency solar panels.