The BechtelThe constructed Cutlass Solar 2 project in Fort Bend, Texas, has been completed and is generating electricity at full capacity for the first time. The 218 MW solar installation delivered for Sabanci climate technologies includes almost half a million solar panels spread over 1,100 hectares.
The project now sends enough clean renewable energy to the grid to power 40,000 homes – a milestone 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 are excited to get Cutlass Solar 2 up to maximum capacity to deliver more renewable energy to Texans, support America’s energy transition, and further the Lone Star States’ goal of becoming the nation’s largest solar energy producer ,” said Scott Austin, Bechtel GM of Renewables and Clean Energy. “Bechtel is proud to partner with Sabanci Climate Technologies in their efforts to make clean, renewable energy more accessible to the people of Texas.”
To meet the project’s ambitious schedule, Bechtel leveraged data-driven automation, research robots, machine-controlled equipment, drones and a every minute mentality. Bechtel’s unique digital fulfillment hub used at Cutlass Solar 2 enabled 100% digital delivery through software integration. The hub collects 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 of Sabanci Climate Technologies. “Sending maximum power to the Texas grid is a fantastic milestone in this successful project and reaffirms that we were right to choose Bechtel. We look forward to continuing this success together on our next project, Oriana.”
At the height of construction, the Cutlass Solar 2 project site employed more than 300 people. About 30% of Bechtel’s professional workforce and 15% of the project’s craft professionals were women, representing two and a half times the industry average.
Bechtel manages sustainable energy projects from the development phase through to commissioning and handover. The company will soon begin construction on 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.
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