US-based OCI Solar Power has partnered with municipal-owned utility CPS Energy for the development of a 400MW solar power facility in San Antonio, Texas.
The large municipal solar power project represents a public-private partnership focused on expansion of renewable energy in the state.
Scheduled for completion in 2016, the project is expected to power 70,000 local households equal to 10% of San Antonio’s consumers.
OCI Solar president Tony Dorazio remarked that the project offers a template for future renewable energy projects in the region.
“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,” added Dorazio.
As part of the project’s first phase, the company has commenced construction at the 41MW Alamo I prohject to deliver clean, renewable energy to CPS Energy under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
Local renewable energy companies will provide the components required to build the project, including solar panels from Nexolon America, two-axis, single- and fixed-axis photovoltaic (PV) solar trackers from ERCAM Trackers and photovoltaic inverter and power electronics from KACO new energy.
Alamo I is expected to be completed by the end of 2013 and supply power to nearly 7,000 San Antonio households.