A 208-megawatt (MW) solar farm equipped with 80 megawatt hours (MWh) of storage has commenced operations west of San Antonio, Texas, offering a significant boost to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Developed by solar + storage specialists Cypress Creek Renewables, the Zier Solar + Storage project went live in Brackettville, Texas, on May 2, 2024. Capable of annually generating enough energy to power approximately 41,600 homes, the project aims to alleviate supply strain on Texas's grid, as confirmed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
Judd Messer, Texas vice president of Advanced Power Alliance, underscored the importance of renewable energy in meeting the state's energy demands, stating, “Texas needs every available megawatt, and low-cost renewable energy has proven critical as it continues to reach new production heights in ERCOT.”
Messer further emphasized the reliability benefits of solar energy coupled with storage, noting, “Solar energy is ensuring sufficient capacity during daytime peak, setting records nearly every month, and quick-responding energy storage delivers a substantial reliability benefit when demand soars or when dispatchable energy unexpectedly falls offline.”
Aside from its contributions to grid stability, the Zier Solar + Storage project is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region. It is projected to provide $11.5 million in tax revenue to Kinney County, with an additional $11.7 million earmarked for an independent school district.
Cypress Creek Renewables has a robust pipeline of projects in Texas, totaling 6 gigawatts (GW) across 24 developments currently in construction or development stages. This includes a standalone battery storage project with a capacity of 100 MWh in Rosenberg, near Houston, slated to become operational next month.
Texas leads the United States in solar capacity, boasting nearly 23 GW of installed capacity. The Solar Energy Industries Association anticipates an additional 41 GW of solar installations in the state over the next five years, further solidifying its position as a key player in the renewable energy landscape.
