The Bechtel-built Cutlass Solar 2 project in Fort Bend, Texas, is now complete and generating electricity at full capacity. This milestone, achieved ahead of the 13-month delivery schedule, ensures that enough clean, renewable energy is sent to the grid to power 40,000 homes.
The 218 Megawatt (MW) solar facility, developed for Sabanci Climate Technologies, spans 1,100 acres and comprises nearly half a million solar panels. The project is expected to save approximately 600,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Cutlass Solar 2 is the second solar facility in Texas constructed by Bechtel, following the completion of the neighboring Cutlass Solar 1 plant in January 2023. Combined, these two facilities will provide renewable energy to more than 60,000 homes across Texas.
“We’re delighted to get Cutlass Solar 2 to maximum capacity to provide more renewable power for Texans, support America’s energy transition, and help achieve the Lone Star State’s goal to become the nation’s largest producer of solar power,” said Scott Austin, Bechtel General Manager of Renewables & Clean Power. “Bechtel is proud to partner with Sabanci Climate Technologies in their pursuit to make clean, renewable energy more accessible to the people of Texas.”
Ismail Bilgin, President of Sabanci Climate Technologies, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “We partnered with Bechtel for our first solar venture because they are experts in delivering projects better and faster. Sending maximum power to Texas’ grid is a fantastic milestone in this successful project and reconfirms that we were right to choose Bechtel. We’re looking forward to continuing this success on our next project, Oriana, together.”
To meet the ambitious schedule, Bechtel employed advanced technologies such as data-driven automation, survey robots, machine-controlled equipment, and drones. Their digital execution hub enabled 100% digital delivery through software integration, gathering data directly from field equipment into an interactive map-based visualization.
At the peak of construction, more than 300 workers were employed on-site, with women comprising approximately 30% of the professional staff and 15% of the craft professionals—significantly above the industry average.
Bechtel, which leads renewable projects from development through commissioning and handover, is set to begin constructing the Oriana Solar facility for Sabanci Climate Technologies in Victoria County, Texas. Oriana Solar is expected to produce enough clean energy to power more than 34,000 homes.
