Toyota Tsusho America, a subsidiary of Japanese giant Toyota Tsusho Corporation, is partnering with Avantus to build a major solar project in Runnels County, Texas.
The 159-megawatt direct current (MWdc) Norton project is now in the construction phase following the November 2023 sale by Avantus.
The project is backed by construction and term financing provided by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, reinforcing confidence in the facility’s potential.
The signing of a long-term power supply agreement (PPA) with an industrial customer ensures the economic viability of the project.
Avantus, in charge of supervision, is collaborating with RES to carry out the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work.
The project is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025.
Impact on the local economy and reduction of emissions
The Norton project is expected to generate 250 direct jobs at the peak of construction, bringing tangible economic benefits to the local community.
On the environmental front, the project is designed to reduce over 230,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to taking more than 50,000 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road each year.
This development is part of a wider strategy by Avantus, which has already delivered nearly 2 gigawatts of solar projects in Texas. The company currently has a portfolio of 46 gigawatts under development in the United States, including 30 gigawatts dedicated to solar power and 94 gigawatt-hours (GWh) to storage solutions.
This project reinforces Texas’ position as a leader in renewable energies.
