Gamechange Solar Bags 232MW Order From Bechtel In US

GameChange Solar (GCS) have announced that they will supply their Genius Tracker™ solar trackers for Sabanci Renewables’ Oriana Solar, a 232 MWdc project located on the Texas Gulf Coast in Victoria County.

The company claims that its Genius Tracker technology helps improve energy gains with its WeatherSmart™ backtracking features and dynamic stow modes that protect the system from damage during severe weather events including hurricane-force winds, floods, and hail experienced in the Gulf Coast. The Genius Tracker solar trackers have undergone wind-tunnel tests of speeds up to 155 mph with CPP Wind, according to the firm.

Once complete, Genius Tracker technology paired with nearly 425,000 bifacial panels will generate power for approximately 34,000 homes with zero-carbon electricity on the ERCOT grid. It will serve load centers in the Gulf Coast region of Texas, including Houston, Corpus Christi, and Freeport.

Bechtel, a leading engineering, construction, and project management firm (also the precursor of Engineers India Limited in India), will design and deliver the solar project. The solar power plant features a co-located 60 MW/120 MWh battery storage system which will have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable energy sources.

Speaking on the deal, Max Johnson, Director of Business Development at GCS said “Choosing a US-based supplier reinforces their (Bechtel) dedication to bringing clean renewable energy to the region while supporting the local economy. We anticipate working on more projects with both exceptional teams in the future.”

Construction is scheduled to start in early 2024 and be completed in mid-2025.

Sabanci Renewables is a subsidiary of leading Turkish conglomerate Sabanci Holding, is a renewable energy developer in the US aiming to develop and operate a 1 GW renewable portfolio by 2025. The company focuses on utility scale solar, onshore wind and battery projects; mainly in ERCOT, MISO and PJM markets. Following the company’s establishment in June 2022, Sabanci first acquired a 272 MW project in October 2022. With Oriana Solar, the company will command more than 500 MW and will reach an important level in its initial investment plan.