Spanish energy firm Repsol S.A. has energized its latest solar asset, with its Pinnington solar project coming online in northern Texas on May 21.

The solar site marks a milestone for solar in the Lone Star State, as the 825 MW Pinnington project is the largest renewable energy project to reach commercial operation in Texas. Built by Black & Veatch and its Overland Contracting Inc. (OCI) construction subsidiary, the project reached energization at “an accelerated pace,” according to the company. In comparison to other solar projects of its size, Pinnington reached operation status about 2.5 times faster, Repsol adds.

The facility’s construction generated about 700 jobs in the northern Texas area, delivering “meaningful economic activity” during its development. Over its upcoming lifetime, the project will support local schools, emergency services, and infrastructure, among other areas.

“Pinnington sets a new benchmark for renewable energy delivery in the U.S., combining unprecedented scale with exceptional pace,” says Federico Toro, the CEO of Repsol Renewables North America. “Achieving commercial operations reflects strong execution, a deep safety culture, and the commitment of the teams and partners behind this project.”

Made up of about 1.5 million individual solar panels, Pinnington will generate enough energy to negate approximately 1 million tons of carbon emissions. The massive project puts Repsol’s U.S. renewable energy capacity over the 2 GW mark, officials say.

Repsol’s American endeavors

Headquartered in Madrid, Repsol first entered the U.S. market in 2021. Just five years later, the European firm has an established presence in North America. The company has three major projects, with Pinnington being the largest by far, and has a fourth under construction, in the form of eastern Texas’s 595 MW Pecan Prairie project.

West of Texas, the company also operates its Jicarilla I and II solar and battery storage complex in New Mexico, north of Santa Fe in Rio Arriba County.

Narsingh Chaudhary, president of Black & Veatch’s fuels and natural resources sector, says Repsol’s leadership and community-forward mindset “set the tone” for the project, as it hopes to deliver energy and economic bonuses to the region.

“Completing the Pinnington solar project on an accelerated timeline — while managing its scale, complexity and demanding execution environment — is a testament to the strength of our collaboration with Repsol and the dedication of everyone involved,” he says. “Most importantly, the project was delivered with a relentless focus on safety, with every hour worked reflecting our shared commitment to caring for our people and the surrounding community.”

Going forward, Repsol officials say the company has a “broad portfolio” of initiatives and potential future projects. In total, the firm boasts about 6 GW of renewable energy in its portfolio, mainly between Spain and the U.S.

Tags: ERCOT, project, Repsol, utility-scale