Naturgy continues its US growth as it begins construction on the Grimes project, its second major photovoltaic facility in the country. This new renewable power plant, located in the state of Texas, will include 210 MW of power that will be able to generate enough zero-emissions electricity to supply approximately 140,000 households.
This project will involve an investment of over 285 million euros, and it will have a significant impact on economic activity in the area, with the creation of an average of 200 jobs during construction work, reaching around 500 workers at times of peak workload. The facility will comprise 515,000 photovoltaic modules spread out over a 649-hectare area. It is scheduled to become operational by the year 2025.
Grimes will join the 7V Solar Ranch, the first renewable energy project launched by Naturgy in the United States. This facility recently began operations with the first energy discharge, becoming the group’s largest active photovoltaic installation worldwide.
The 7V Solar Ranch has 240 MW of power and an annual generation capacity of 560 GWh, equivalent to the consumption of 160,000 households. The facility comprises 555,500 modules spread out over 800 hectares of land and involved an investment of over 380 million euros.
Naturgy in the US
Naturgy is currently working on developing a portfolio of over 30 solar technology projects with a capacity of over 6 GW in the United States, a strategic market for the Group.
This country has a growing energy demand and a technological innovation and supply capacity that can help roll out renewable energies, as well as the tax incentives that are needed to achieve the target set by the Biden Administration. By 2030, 80% of electricity generated will have to be from renewable sources, and five years later all generation will need to be fossil-free.
As it begins construction on the Grimes project, the company continues with its strategy to develop an international renewable portfolio with a focus on stable geographic regions and projects in the initial stages of development. Outside Spain, Naturgy has over 3,000 MW of renewable capacity in operation.
Naturgy currently has more than 5.7 GW of renewable capacity in operation. The company increased its installed renewable capacity by more than 730 MW, and it hopes to put over 1.5 GW into operation by the end of 2024 as well.