T1 Energy invests $850mn in photovoltaic industrial unit in Texas

T1 Energy commits $850 million to build a five-gigawatt photovoltaic facility in Texas, selecting Yates Construction and benefiting from local tax incentives, with 1,800 jobs anticipated by the end of 2026.

Share:

T1 Energy Inc., specialised in manufacturing photovoltaic cells and modules, announces an investment of $850 million for the construction of a five-gigawatt (GW) photovoltaic cell production unit named G2_Austin. The project, located in Milam County, Texas, benefits from substantial local tax support in the form of long-term tax exemptions conditioned upon specific investment and employment targets.

Strategic choice of industrial partners

T1 Energy has chosen Yates Construction to manage pre-construction services and site preparations ahead of a planned operational launch by the end of 2026. The collaboration also includes SSOE Group, responsible for engineering services since December 2024. The future industrial unit, G2_Austin, is expected to generate approximately 1,800 permanent jobs.

This new installation is part of a broader strategic plan by T1 Energy aimed at strengthening the national supply chain for photovoltaic components. It complements the existing G1_Dallas facility, which currently produces photovoltaic modules with an equivalent annual capacity of five GW. Both sites will notably utilise the advanced technology known as “TOPCon” to meet the growing demand for photovoltaic products manufactured in the United States.

Statements from stakeholders

Daniel Barcelo, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of T1 Energy, highlighted the industrial and energy objectives of this ambitious project. “Our facilities will manufacture photovoltaic cells and modules effectively supporting the American economy with abundant energy,” he stated.

William G. Yates III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yates Construction, affirmed his company’s full commitment to the project’s operational success. “Yates Construction will leverage its recognised expertise in major industrial projects to successfully complete this project,” he stated in a press release.

Local reactions and economic perspectives

Local authorities unanimously approved fiscal support for T1 Energy. Milam County Judge Bill Whitmire emphasised the project’s economic importance, particularly highlighting the jobs created by this development. This initiative confirms Texas’s strategic positioning as an attractive hub for photovoltaic industrialists in the United States.

Final negotiations on commercial terms between T1 Energy and Yates Construction are currently underway to ensure compliance with the original project timeline.

Loblaw Group will deploy a 7.5 MW photovoltaic installation on the roof of its East Gwillimbury distribution centre, generating up to 25% of the site’s annual electricity and marking a new step for the Canadian logistics sector.
Savion, a Shell subsidiary, transfers majority ownership of five solar projects to Tango Holdings, 80% owned by Ares, to optimise the U.S. renewable electricity production portfolio and improve the profitability of the oil group’s investments.
Investment fund KKR is committing $335mn in a strategic partnership with CleanPeak Energy to accelerate the rollout of solar, storage and microgrid solutions aimed at Australian businesses.
Bluebird Solar is initiating a significant investment plan in Greater Noida to increase its production capacity to 2.5 GW and integrate automated lines powered by artificial intelligence.
TotalEnergies ENEOS has commissioned a 680-kilowatt photovoltaic facility at TechnipFMC’s Johor Bahru site, supplying 20% of the factory’s energy needs under an 18-year power purchase agreement.
Voltalia has been selected for the construction of two photovoltaic plants in Ireland, totalling 92.9 megawatts, further strengthening its presence in the country’s solar infrastructure market.
The latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency confirms the cost superiority of renewables, but highlights persistent challenges for grid integration and access to financing in emerging markets.
EDP Renewables North America and California Water Service have entered into a 20-year agreement to supply solar energy to a strategic Bakersfield site, reducing grid energy costs by about $1.7mn over the contract duration.
Solar growth in the European Union is seeing its first annual contraction in ten years, following reduced subsidies and shifting budget priorities in several member states.
Scatec secures the development of a 846 MW photovoltaic cluster in the Free State province, with an investment of ZAR13bn ($735mn), following the seventh round of South Africa's REIPPPP programme.
Enbridge invests $0.9bn in a 600 MW solar facility in Texas, fully dedicated to powering Meta Platforms, Inc.'s data centres through a long-term power purchase agreement.
ENGIE has announced the acquisition of 22 distributed solar projects in Pennsylvania, further strengthening its renewable energy expansion strategy while supporting the local economy and enhancing the reliability of the distribution grid.
Estuary Power commissions the Escape Solar and Storage project in Nevada, integrating 185 megawatts of solar capacity and securing enhanced financing from institutional investors to supply electricity to several major players in the leisure sector.
New anti-dumping tariffs and Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) restrictions are disrupting the US solar supply chain, while ongoing dependence on China exposes the industry to significant risks, according to Wood Mackenzie.
Sri Lanka and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) have signed a strategic partnership to accelerate solar energy deployment in the country, aiming for 70% renewable energy by 2030.
Sunrun announced the pricing of its $431 million securitization, involving leases and power purchase agreements. This marks the company’s 14th public securitization and its third of 2025.
Resalta has completed the acquisition of Statkraft’s Croatian platform, expanding its presence in renewable energy across Eastern Europe, with a portfolio of projects and a full local team.
Gaia Renewables 1 has acquired a 10% stake in two solar power plants in the Northern Cape, following regulatory approval and financial close, strengthening its portfolio of independent assets.
Dutch firm Gutami Holding has signed a 25-year agreement with Burkina Faso and national utility SONABEL for a 150 MW solar project with 50 MW storage, valued at over €100mn ($109mn).
SOFAZ acquires 49% of a 14-plant solar portfolio held by Enfinity Global in Lazio and Emilia-Romagna, reinforcing its long-term stable investment strategy.