BP, in collaboration with its 50:50 joint-venture partner Lightsource BP, has embarked on the construction of the 187MW Peacock Solar project in San Patricio County, Texas. Located just 10 miles north of Corpus Christi, this solar endeavor represents a significant step in BP's commitment to renewable energy.
The Peacock Solar project has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement, wherein it will supply all generated electricity to Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (GCGV). GCGV is a notable joint venture between energy titan ExxonMobil and Saudi Arabian plastics producer SABIC.
PCL Construction, the primary engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for the project, will oversee the installation of ultra-low carbon solar panels sourced from First Solar and solar trackers from GameChange Solar, both esteemed US-based manufacturers. Positioned in close proximity to the GCGV complex, the Peacock project will directly power the facility.
This ambitious endeavor is anticipated to generate around 300 jobs during the construction phase and contribute more than $25 million in tax revenue over the first 25 years of its operational life.
Dave Lawler, Chairman and President of BP America, underscored the project's significance, stating, “Securing this agreement and kicking off construction of Peacock helps support the transition to lower carbon energy, while benefiting local communities and the economy.” He emphasized BP's dedication to accelerating the growth of its US solar generation capacity and its commitment to advancing into an integrated energy company.
Paul Fritsch, President of GCGV, emphasized the environmental benefits, noting, “Once online, the solar-generated electricity will be used to partially power our plant and help reduce emissions in support of a net zero future.”
Beyond its energy generation role, the Peacock Solar project will also host agricultural and biodiversity initiatives, incorporating native plant species beneficial to pollinators and wildlife, along with sheep grazing. These sustainable practices align with the concept of agrivoltaics.
The Peacock Solar project is part of BP's broader objective to invest in and develop 50GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Texas, as one of the nation's leading states for solar power, is poised for substantial growth, with over 40GW of additional capacity expected to be installed in the next five years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
