OCI Solar Power, CPS Energy to develop 400MW solar power assets in Texas, US

OCI Solar Power has entered into collaboration with municipal-owned utility CPS Energy under the public-private partnership mode for the development of 400MW solar power in San Antonio, Texas.

The project envisages provision of clean power for 70,000 local households, equal to 10% of the consumers in San Antonio.

Construction work on the project officially commenced with OCI Solar breaking ground at the 41MW Alamo I facility on Blue Wing Road.

The facility will be developed under the first phase of the project and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013.

San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro stated, "This phase is only the first of many milestones to come bringing good-paying jobs and fostering economic development and sustainable energy for our community and state."

Alamo I will provide clean energy to CPS Energy as part of a 25-year power purchase agreement to enable power supply to nearly 7,000 households in the city.

Local renewable energy companies will provide components required to build the project, including solar panels from Nexolon America, two-axis, single- and fixed-axis photovoltaic (PV) solar trackers from ERCAM Trackers and photovoltaic inverter and power electronics from KACO New Energy.

OCI Solar president Tony Dorazio commented that this project provides a blueprint for a public-private partnership model that can drive renewable energy development across the nation.

"Through its commitment to the environment and the economy, CPS Energy is powering its customers with clean renewable energy, while attracting renewable energy-related companies and manufacturing that promote economic development and good jobs," Dorazio said.

The entire project is expected to be completed towards the end of 2016.