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OCI Solar Power Breaks Ground on Largest Municipal Solar Power Project in U.S.
Solidifying its leadership position in the new energy economy, San Antonio and Texas soon will be home to the largest U.S. municipal solar power project to date. The 400 megawatt (MW) project is being developed through a public-private partnership
between OCI Solar Power and CPS Energy, a utility serving the Greater San Antonio area.
San Antonio-based OCI Solar Power broke ground at its Blue Wing Road site to officially mark the start of construction of this landmark project. At 41 MW, Alamo I represents the first phase of construction on the mega solar agreement that will deliver clean, renewable energy to CPS Energy as part of a 25-year power purchase agreement.
“The Alamo project provides a blueprint for a public-private partnership model that can stimulate renewable energy development around the country,” said OCI Solar Power President Tony Dorazio. “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.”
Several local San Antonio renewable energy-focused manufacturing companies will provide major components required to build the project. Nexolon America LLC will manufacture the high efficiency solar panels; ERCAM Trackers will produce the patented, two-axis photovoltaic (PV) solar trackers as well as single- and fixed-axis trackers; and KACO new energy will supply the photovoltaic inverter and power electronics.
Alamo I will be completed by year-end and will provide power to nearly 7,000 San Antonio households. Upon completion in late 2016, the entire 400 MW project will power 70,000 local households or 10% of San Antonio’s customers.
With more than 40 projects ranging from three to 400 MW throughout the U.S., OCI Solar Power is creating new standards for partnerships and community development. In addition to providing the local community with a renewable, cost-effective solar power source, the 400 MW project brings more than $1 billion in construction investment, creates 800 permanent professional and technical jobs and will have a projected annual economic impact of $700 million. The San Antonio project places Texas in the top five U.S. solar energy-producing states.
“This project signals San Antonio’s continued emergence as a leader in the New Energy Economy,” said San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro. “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.”