Lightsource bp commissions 187MW solar project in Texas

Lightsource bp, the solar power division of BP, recently completed the Peacock solar project in Texas. This 187MW project will supply electricity to Gulf Coast Growth Ventures’ manufacturing complex in the state. Construction began in September 2023, with the facility initially set to be operational in the latter half of 2024.

The Peacock solar project marks a significant milestone as the first utility-scale solar installation to power an ExxonMobil facility. The project utilizes products made in the US, including panels from First Solar and trackers from GameChange Solar, demonstrating the growth of solar manufacturing in the country since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.

A recent report by the University of Texas at Austin, supported by the Solar Energy Association and Texas Solar + Storage Association, projected that Texas counties stand to gain millions of dollars in tax benefits from hosting solar projects. Furthermore, SEIA estimates that Texas will add 51.1GW of new solar capacity in the next five years, leading the nation in solar growth.

Lightsource bp has also integrated agricultural and biodiversity initiatives at the Peacock project, such as planting vegetation around solar panels and allowing sheep to graze on-site. These efforts align with the company’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security and reliability in Texas.

Helen Brauner, the interim chief operating officer of Lightsource bp USA, emphasized the importance of projects like Peacock in both environmental conservation and community development. By incorporating biodiversity and agrivoltaics, the project aims to benefit both the environment and local residents.

Overall, the completion of the Peacock solar project highlights the ongoing evolution of solar energy in the US, showcasing the potential for sustainable energy practices to drive economic growth and environmental stewardship across communities.