Revolutionary new energy project in Texas

GameChange Solar and Bechtel collaborate to launch Oriana Solar, an innovative solar panel project promising clean, sustainable energy for thousands of homes.

Share:

Innovation Énergétique Durable

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Genius Tracker technology is renowned for improving energy yields thanks to its WeatherSmart™ features, backtracking capabilities and dynamic storage modes. What’s more, these features are particularly relevant in areas prone to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricane-force winds, flooding and hail, frequently encountered on the Gulf Coast. To ensure the robustness of these systems, wind tunnel tests were carried out by CPP Wind, capable of withstanding speeds of up to 155mph.

Environmental Impact and Carbon Emissions Reduction

Once operational, the Oriana Solar system should provide carbon-free electricity to around 34,000 households via the ERCOT grid. Indeed, this initiative is part of a wider effort to support load centers in the Texas Gulf region, including major cities such as Houston, Corpus Christi and Freeport.

Strategic collaboration between GameChange Solar and Bechtel

An outstanding feature of this project is the integration of a 60MW/120MWh co-located battery storage system. However, this feature will significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote the advancement of sustainable energy sources. Max Johnson, Director of Business Development at GCS, underlined the importance of this partnership.

Economic and local implications of the project

Scott Austin, General Manager of Bechtel’s Renewable & Clean Energy Division, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Sabanci Renewables, highlighting the commitment to the local economy in choosing a US-based supplier.
Construction of the project is scheduled to start in early 2024 and be completed by mid-2025. This project marks a significant step forward in the renewable energy sector, not only for Texas but also for the global clean energy market.

The Oriana Solar project, led by GameChange Solar and Bechtel, represents a major step forward in the field of renewable energies. By combining cutting-edge technology and environmental commitment, this project promises to transform Texas’ energy supply, while supporting the local economy and contributing to a cleaner planet.

The New South Wales Government has approved Ark Energy’s hybrid solar and battery project in Richmond Valley, combining a solar power plant and long-duration storage.
Nextracker will supply steel frames for solar modules to T1 Energy in a multi-year deal worth over $75mn, aiming to strengthen the local solar supply chain and reduce dependence on imported aluminium.
EDF has inaugurated a 1.2 MWc solar power plant and an intelligent electrical grid in Maripasoula, French Guiana, strengthening the energy autonomy of this remote community previously reliant on fuel imports.
EDP has commissioned a solar power plant in Salerno integrating livestock farming, with a capacity of 10 MWc and an annual output of 17 GWh, marking the launch of a hybrid model to be replicated in France and Germany.
Aura Power has finalised financing for its fourth UK solar plant in twelve months, backed by Rabobank, bringing its under-construction capacity to 242 MWp across the country.
The Tützpatz solar project, developed by Vattenfall and powered by GCL System Integration, combines energy production and agricultural use across 93 hectares without public funding.
Koshidaka Group signed a 10-year power purchase agreement with Farmland and Eneres to supply its Tokyo-area facilities with electricity from a 1.6MWAC solar plant located in Annaka.
The PairPHNXX system, designed for rapid deployment in areas without grid access, targets agricultural, military, and industrial markets with a turnkey modular technology.
Ascent Solar Technologies has delivered samples of its flexible photovoltaic technology to two companies for testing in extreme environments, at sea and in space.
Geronimo Power has started construction of the Bee Hollow solar project, valued at $54mn, in St. Clair County, delivering jobs, tax revenue and a partnership with the IMEA municipal agency.
The British government has approved Tillbridge Solar Farm, a 500-MW solar power plant with 2,310 MWh of energy storage, developed by Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy.
wpd solar France has launched construction of a 140.6MWc photovoltaic park in Marcy, in the Nièvre department, integrating agricultural co-activity across 632 hectares in partnership with five local farms.
Independent energy producer CVE has inaugurated a 12 MWc solar farm on municipal land in Volx, generating 19 GWh annually and an estimated €5mn in economic returns over 30 years.
GreenYellow strengthens its presence in the French overseas territories with the acquisition of 18 rooftop photovoltaic installations in Réunion, totalling 3.1 MWc in capacity, as part of a strategy to consolidate its decentralised energy assets.
The rapid rise of agri-voltaic projects in France raises concerns over agricultural impact, land speculation and the economic viability of a still-emerging model.
Norwegian developer Empower New Energy expands in North Africa with a strategic partnership involving ten industrial solar sites for self-consumption in Tunisia.
Chinese manufacturer JA Solar has started initial deliveries of its 650W n-type DeepBlue 5.0 module from its automated production site in Yangzhou.
Melvan is issuing local bonds to co-finance two photovoltaic projects in Avignon and Sault, aiming to supplement a total budget of EUR5.5mn ($5.82mn).
The 50 MW Kong solar power plant marks a new step in Côte d’Ivoire’s national grid expansion, with CFA37bn ($60.5mn) in funding and commissioning set for early 2027.
EDP will accelerate two major solar projects in Australia after securing government-backed contracts under the Capacity Investment Scheme.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.