bp Commences Construction On New Texas Solar Project

bp has initiated the construction of its 187MWdc Peacock Solar project, situated approximately 10 miles north of Corpus Christi in San Patricio County, Texas.

Aerial view of the construction of the Peacock Solar development. I Photo: bp

This project will play a significant role in supporting the global transition towards lower carbon energy sources, as per a PR Newswire report.

Peacock Solar will supply all of the electricity it generates through a long-term power purchase agreement with Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (GCGV). GCGV is a joint venture between ExxonMobil and SABIC, specializing in the production of materials used in various industries, including clothing, food packaging, containers, agricultural film, and construction materials.

"Located near the GCGV complex, Peacock will supply power directly to the facility. Once completed, the installation will generate enough renewable energy annually to power the equivalent of 34,000 homes.

The project is expected to create approximately 300 jobs during construction and contribute over $25 million in tax revenue over the first 25 years of the project's lifespan.

"Securing this agreement and commencing construction of Peacock supports the transition to lower-carbon energy while benefiting local communities and the economy," said Dave Lawler, Chairman and President of bp America.

"It's another way bp is accelerating the growth of our US solar generation capacity, investing in America, and advancing our transformation into an integrated energy company."

"We aim to be responsible stewards of our environment," said Paul Fritsch, President of GCGV.

"Once operational, the solar-generated electricity will partially power our plant and help reduce emissions in line with our commitment to a net-zero future."

bp's 50:50 joint-venture partner, global solar leader Lightsource bp, is developing the project and overseeing construction on behalf of bp.

PCL Construction, the primary engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for the project, will install ultra-low carbon solar panels, with trackers from US-based manufacturers First Solar and GameChange Solar, respectively.

Peacock will also support various agricultural and biodiversity activities, including:

• Planting vegetation under and around the solar panels, including native plant species that benefit pollinators and other wildlife.

• Aiming to enhance habitat value, species composition, soil health, and overall ecosystem functions at the solar farm.

• Implementing sheep grazing at the site to support the local rural economy and maintain farmland productivity, a practice known as agrivoltaics.

Solar plays a crucial role in bp's renewables and power transition growth strategy.

Peacock is part of bp's commitment to invest in and develop renewable energy capacity of 50 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. bp expects that the project will deliver the anticipated returns for renewable power.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Texas ranks second in the nation for solar power and is poised for growth, with over 40 GW of capacity expected to be installed over the next five years. Renewable energy projects like Peacock contribute to diversifying the state's energy generation mix, enhancing the grid's energy security and reliability."

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