OCI Solar Power Breaks Ground On 400 MW San Antonio Solar Farm

CleanTechnica has been following the planning stages of the 400 MW San Antonio solar project in Texas since we first heard word of it back in January of 2012.

“In a unique, first-of-its kind generation-to-manufacturing proposal, CPS Energy is entering into negotiations for a power purchase agreement from one of the nation’s largest solar projects,” CPS Energy was quoted as saying back in 2012. “The project will mean new corporate headquarters and U.S. manufacturing operations for global companies in San Antonio.”

Now, over a year later, OCI Solar Power — partners with CPS Energy — officially broke ground on construction of the first phase of the 400 MW San Antonio project.

The solar project is the “largest municipal solar power field in the US … the result of a contract between CPS Energy and OCI Solar Power, which will develop, own and operate the planned 400-MW solar PV facility,” we reported back in July of 2012. The project was — at the time — set to create “more than 800 long-term jobs and add an estimated $700 million to the economy per year.”

PV Magazine reported this week that the 41 MW Alamo I solar farm began construction on March 5. The solar farm will cover 445 acres and is the first stage in the larger solar farm scheme.

“OCI Solar Power is proud to contribute to CPS Energy’s New Energy Economy approach to attract business partners that drive job growth, improve the environment and invest in education. The initiative is stimulating economic development and helping San Antonio emerge as a hub for clean energy technology,” said OCI in a brief statement.

More information about the Alamo I can be found on the OCI Solar Power project page.