Avantus and Toyota Tsusho America Begin Construction on 159 MW Norton Solar Project in Texas

Avantus (formerly 8minute) and Toyota Tsusho America (TAI) have announced the start of construction on the 159 MWdc/125 MWac Norton Solar Project in Runnels County, Texas. This follows Avantus’ sale of the Norton project in November 2023 to TAI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan, part of the Toyota Group. TAI has also secured construction and term financing from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

The ongoing partnership between Avantus and TAI highlights the value Avantus brings to global companies pursuing clean energy and sustainability goals. The project has also secured a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a corporate customer.

“Texas is energy country, and that includes massive opportunities in solar. The Norton Solar Project represents the best of what we do at Avantus — develop high-quality clean energy projects that are good for our customers, for the local economy, and for the planet,” said Avantus Chief Financial Officer Patrick Goff. “This project was six years in the making, and I am proud of our team’s persistence in getting Norton shovel-ready and for securing the project’s successful sale to Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. to help meet their sustainability goals.”

“Addressing the pressing issue of climate change is a top priority for our company and we are committed to finding innovative and effective solutions,” added Naoyuki Hata, President and CEO of Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. “By leveraging our expertise and collaborating with our customers — who are making progress toward sustainability goals — this Solar Project is an opportunity to create a positive impact on local communities. As well as pave the way toward a sustainable future on a global scale.”