Two Texas solar projects, totalling 288 MW, have entered commercial operation – providing Texas with $348m in renewable energy.
The portfolio was developed by Lightsource bp, which has sites across the USA.
The Texas projects include two utility-scale projects: Second Division Solar in Brazoria County (125 MW), and Starr Solar in Starr County (163 MW).
Powering Texas
Lightsource bp’s operational sites in Texas have reached 1,051 MW, and have been utilised during extreme weather such as heat waves and storms – events in which Texas has seen a significant increase due to the climate crisis.
Furthermore, together the two projects can generate enough power for over 50,000 homes and offset 381,000 mt per annum. In keeping with the USA’s drive to source materials domestically, use panels and trackers from US companies First Solar and Array Technologies.
Helen Brauner, interim COO for Lightsource bp USA, says: “By delivering reliable, homegrown energy, we’re helping Texas build a more resilient grid while creating opportunities for American manufacturing and local communities.”
Sustainable practices
According to Lightsource bp, the two projects are within important energy communities and have also been developed with land stewardship in mind. The sites will encourage biodiversity through ongoing initiatives, including:
- Integrating sheep grazing.
- Supporting small mammals with specially designed habitats
- Using a bespoke seed mix under panels to create habitats for bees and other pollinators.
- Protecting the nearby wetlands and improving water quality through vegetative filter strips.
