The Texas Construction News staff writer
SAN ANTONIO — Energy executives and local elected officials gathered in Bexar County May 12 to break ground on “El Patrimonio,” a new utility-scale solar facility spanning roughly 867 acres.
Developed by Ashtrom Renewable Energy alongside construction partner SOLV Energy, the project will boast a projected generation capacity of 150 megawatts (MWac) upon completion in 2027. The facility is expected to produce enough clean energy to power 37,000 households while cutting carbon emissions by an estimated 193,000 tons annually.
Under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, San Antonio’s municipal utility, CPS Energy, will purchase approximately 70 percent of the electricity and renewable energy certificates generated by the site. Ashtrom will sell the remaining 30 percent directly into the open Texas electricity market. The project is backed by a $200 million financing agreement signed with BHI, the U.S. branch of Bank Hapoalim B.M.
“CPS Energy is the number one buyer of solar energy in Texas,” said Frank Almaraz, Chief Operating Officer of CPS Energy. “Today’s groundbreaking and partnership with Ashtrom helps maintain our leadership position.”
