The Bechtel-built Cutlass Solar 2 project in Fort Bend, Texas, is complete and generating electricity at full capacity for the first time. The 218 MW solar facility delivered for Sabanci Climate Technologies comprises almost half a million solar panels spanning 1,100 acres.
The project is now sending enough clean renewable energy to the grid to power 40,000 homes — a milestone that comes ahead of the 13-month delivery schedule. Cutlass Solar 2 is the second solar facility in Texas built by Bechtel, which completed the neighboring Cutlass Solar 1 plant in January 2023. In total, Cutlass Solar 1 and Cutlass Solar 2 will power more than 60,000 homes across Texas.
“We’re delighted to get Cutlass Solar 2 to maximum capacity to provide more renewable power for Texans, to support America’s energy transition, and the Lone Star States’ goal to become the nation’s largest producer of solar power,” said Scott Austin, Bechtel GM of renewables and clean power. “Bechtel is proud to partner with Sabanci Climate Technologies in their pursuit to make clean, renewable energy more accessible to the people of Texas.”
To meet the project’s ambitious schedule, Bechtel employed data-driven automation, survey robots, machine-controlled equipment, drones and a mindset that every minute matters. Bechtel’s first-of-a-kind digital execution hub used at Cutlass Solar 2 enabled 100% digital delivery through software integration. The hub gathers data directly from equipment in the field and feeds the data into an interactive map-based visualization. You can watch a video about Bechtel’s smart digital delivery at Cutlass projects here.
“We partnered with Bechtel for our first solar venture because they are experts in delivering projects better and faster,” said Ismail Bilgin, President, Sabanci Climate Technologies. “Sending maximum power to Texas’ grid is a fantastic milestone in this successful project and reconfirms that we were right to choose Bechtel. We’re looking forward to continuing this success on our next project, Oriana, together.”
At peak construction, more than 300 people were employed on the Cutlass Solar 2 project site. Approximately 30% of Bechtel’s professional staff and 15% of the project’s craft professionals were women, representing two and a half times the industry average.
Bechtel leads renewables projects from the development stage through commissioning and handover. The company will soon begin constructing the Oriana Solar facility for Sabanci Climate Technologies in Victoria County, Texas. Oriana Solar is expected to produce enough clean energy to power more than 34,000 homes.
— Solar Builder magazine
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