Pattern Energy completes 83 MWac Texas solar project
In Fannin County, Texas, Pattern Energy has completed construction and begun operations at its 83 MWac Phoenix Solar Project. The new facility expands Pattern Energy’s existing Texas platform with 1,037 MW of clean power in operation at six facilities across the state. Phoenix Solar entered into a 65 MWac, 12-year PPA with Digital Realty for the project.
Phoenix Solar’s systems are equipped with First Solar Series 6 modules and NEXTracker NX Horizon trackers. Mortenson Construction provided engineering and construction services for the project.
“Phoenix Solar is the latest example of Pattern Energy’s expanding activities in solar power and continued investment in Texas. This new solar facility is creating strong benefits with more than $15 million in revenue for Fannin County and the local schools, while producing clean power for 20,000 homes,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy. “New renewable energy sources like Phoenix Solar make sense for communities because they are the cheapest form of new power and their investments return jobs, growth and positive economic impact in the rural areas where they are developed.”
“We are pleased to further expand our renewable energy portfolio in Texas,” said Digital Realty Senior Director of Sustainability Aaron Binkley. “We place a high priority on sourcing net-new renewables local to our data centers. Phoenix Solar, located less than an hour’s drive from our Richardson, Texas data center campus, does just that.”
To date, Digital Realty has purchased 100% renewable energy for its entire European data center portfolio, 100 percent wind energy for its US colocation business unit, and 100 percent carbon-free and renewable electricity for several of its Northern California and Illinois properties. In addition, the U.S. EPA has acknowledged Digital Realty as one of the nation’s top 100 buyers of renewable energy.
Construction of the facility created over 200 jobs. Fannin County will recognize both immediate and long-term economic benefits from the project. Over the course of its lifespan, the new facility is expected to provide over $12 million in new tax revenue to the Bonham Independent School District and over $3 million to Fannin County. The project will additionally contribute revenue in the form of long-term lease payments to project landowners.
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