Pattern Energy has started construction of its 105MW Phoenix solar project in Texas, having closed financing.
ING Capital provided construction and term project financing RBC Community Investments has provided tax equity for the project, located in Fannin county.
Phoenix Solar is expected to be completed in mid-2021. The project will use modules from First Solar.
Mortenson Construction is providing engineering and construction services for the project.
The project has a 12-year power purchase agreement with data centre operator Digital Realty.
Pattern Energy acquired the development rights to the Phoenix Solar project in 2018 from Alpin Sun, a solar developer.
The project expands Pattern Energy’s portfolio in Texas where the company has 871MW of wind power in operation at four facilities across the state.
Pattern Energy chief executive Mile Garland said: “This project is a win-win for Fannin County residents as it creates many benefits, including up to 200 jobs and more than $15m in revenue for local schools and the county, while generating clean power for 20,000 homes.
“Phoenix Solar is one of many solar projects we have in development across Texas and around the world.
“Clean energy projects 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.”
Digital Realty sustainability senior director Aaron Binkley added: “We are pleased to be able to expand access to renewable energy for our customers while making additional progress towards our Science Based Target Initiative carbon emissions reduction commitment.
“The Phoenix Solar Project supplies renewable energy at scale in proximity to our Dallas data centers, expanding on our ongoing efforts to enhance local sustainable business practices across our global portfolio.”
Phoenix Solar is projected to provide more than $12m in new tax revenue to the Bonham Independent School District and more than $3m to Fannin County over the life of the project.