Engie’s 50MW SolaireHolman solar project begins operating in Texas, US

French company Engie has confirmed that its 50MW SolaireHolman solar power plant in the US has started operating and is now supplying solar power to the City of Houston.

The company has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) to supply the renewable energy to the US city over the next 20 years, thereby helping Houston to become the largest municipal purchaser of renewable energy in the US.

Located in Alpine, Texas, US, the SolaireHolman solar power plant is providing up to 10.5% of the city’s electricity needs.

The solar project is developed and implemented by Engie subsidiaries, Solairedirect North America and Engie North America.

Solairedirect North America managing director Marc-Alain Behar said: “We’re very proud to serve the City of Houston, a national innovator and substantial customer by any measure.

“One of the most gratifying parts of our work at Engie is aligning with customers to provide the best value we can.

“Through SolaireHolman, the City of Houston will strengthen its energy portfolio with clean, low-cost solar power for the benefit of all the people who live and work in this vibrant community.”

Featuring 203,840 solar panels on 360 acres of land, the SolaireHolman solar power plant is one of the largest solar projects in Texas.

SolaireHolman will supply power to various Houston locations, including wastewater treatment plants, the Bob Lanier Public Works Building, the Hermann Park Zoo and several Bush Intercontinental Airport terminals.

Currently, the city uses nearly one billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power per year, representing more than 89% of its total energy needs.