Avangrid Inc., a sustainable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, has begun to produce power from the True North solar project in Falls County, Texas, near Waco. With 20 MW commissioned thus far, this marks another major milestone for what will become the largest solar power project in Avangrid’s portfolio, and its first solar project in Texas.
“This is great news, not just for the on-time construction of True North, but for the state of Texas at large,” says Pedro Azagra, Avangrid’s CEO. “Thanks to the diligent work of our team and our contractors, we are able to supply additional energy to the Texas electrical grid as we move into the summer months. I am happy to see this project moving forward as Avangrid continues on its mission to accelerate the clean energy transition across America.”
True North will be a 238-MWac (321-MWdc) solar farm. Once the project is built, it will supply clean, renewable energy in support of Meta’s net zero commitment, including supporting its upcoming data center in neighboring Temple, its second data center facility in Texas, with 100% renewable energy. Ahead of commercial operations expected at the end of 2024, the project will supply power to customers on the Texas grid.
During its construction and operation, the project is creating local jobs and supporting local communities. It is expected to pay more than $40 million in property taxes over the life of the project, which directly supports public services including safety and fire protection, as well as local schools.
Avangrid has successfully developed, built and operated renewable energy facilities in Texas for more than 15 years, with more than 1,200 MW of installed wind capacity. The company has paid more than $100 million in property taxes from its existing facilities.
