Construction is complete for Phase I of the 400 MW Texas solar power project

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 18, 2013 -- The first phase of Texas' 400MW solar project is now operating in San Antonio. The 41MW Alamo I solar farm is phase one of a 400MW development, which is expected to make Texas one of the top solar producing states when complete.

Alamo I will generate energy for 6,600 homes powered by CPS Energy and reduce hazardous carbon dioxide emissions by 57,000 tons - the equivalent of taking 9,500 cars off the road in Greater San Antonio. More than 167,000 solar panels cover the 450-acre solar farm.

"By 2020, 65 percent of our community's electricity will come from resources that are low- or no-carbon emitting — reducing emissions in an amount that's equal to removing more than a million cars from local roads," said CPS Energy CEO Doyle Beneby. "Reducing pollutants in the air we breathe is a no-brainer, and we've been pleased to partner with OCI Solar Power in our efforts to make that happen."

The 400MW project resulted in the largest economic development agreement between a municipal utility and private company. The partnership will bring manufacturing, 800 permanent jobs and an annual economic impact of $700 million to Texas.

"Alamo I is an interesting milestone because it's now the largest solar farm in Texas, but it's still a small part of what is to come," OCI Solar Power President and CEO Tony Dorazio said. "Alamo I is only step one to Texas' rise as a big player in solar."

OCI Solar Power and three manufacturing partners established headquarters in San Antonio. To date, the consortium is responsible for creating more than 150 permanent jobs and 600 temporary construction jobs in the area.

The massive solar deal opened opportunities for Texans as well as attracted new talent to South Texas. The consortium hired many veterans with a range of capabilities, which fits well within San Antonio's strong military culture.

"San Antonio is fast becoming a leader in the New Energy Economy by combining economic development with environmentally sound practices," San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro said. "This solar farm expands our clean energy portfolio while adding hundreds of 21st century manufacturing jobs to the local economy."

Another solar project, Alamo II, will bring an additional 4.4MW to San Antonio upon completion in early 2014.