A Texas Gulf Coast manufacturing plant will be partially powered by a 187-MW solar project developed by Lightsource bp.
The Peacock Solar farm is in San Patricio County, Texas. It will power Gulf Coast Growth Ventures' (GCGV) nearby manufacturing complex, which produces materials used to manufacture clothes, food containers, packaging, agricultural film and construction materials.
The project is expected to generate more than 360,000 MWh of renewable electricity annually to partially power GCGV, a joint venture between ExxonMobil and SABIC. It is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 256,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to the emissions from approximately 55,000 gasoline-powered cars.
“The Peacock Solar project adds to Lightsource bp’s operational fleet in Texas, helping reduce carbon emissions while diversifying the state’s energy mix to enhance security and reliability,” said Helen Brauner, Lightsource bp USA Interim Chief Operating Officer, in a statement. "By layering on biodiversity and agrivoltaics initiatives, projects like Peacock offer a win-win for both the environment and local communities."
The solar farm created over 300 on-site jobs during construction and is expected to generate more than $25 million in tax revenue over 25 years.
The project will be comprised of a range of agricultural and biodiversity activities, including planting vegetation under and around the solar panels, including native plant species beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife. Sheep will also graze at the site to keep the farmland in production.
The U.S.-focused components include solar panels from Arizona-based First Solar and intelligent trackers from Connecticut-based GameChange Solar.
Global energy producer bp acquired Lighthorse last year.
