Texas-based OCI Energy and Israeli utility-scale developer Arava Power have broken ground at the site of the SunRoper Solar project, a 347 MWdc solar installation located in Wharton County Texas, about 60 miles southwest of Houston.
Backed by a 20-year PPA with an undisclosed Fortune 100 company, the installation is expected to begin commercial operations in December 2027.
WHC Energy Services, a Louisiana-based EPC company with a significant presence in the Texas market, will serve as the contractor on the project.
“WHC is proud to serve as EPC contractor on the SunRoper Solar project, bringing our construction expertise to bear on a facility that will deliver meaningful power to the Houston region. This groundbreaking reflects months of careful planning and coordination with OCI Energy, Arava Power and our project partners, and we look forward to executing a safe, high-quality build through to completion in 2027,” said Randel Badeaux, WHC’s president of power for North America.
The installation is the third collaboration between the two developers in Texas, adding to a list of projects that includes the 270 MW Sunray Solar farm in Uvalde county and the 670 MWdc La Salle Solar facility located about 60 miles northwest of Lardeo.
“SunRoper demonstrates how strategic partnerships can help meet Texas’ growing demand for electricity through investments in critical energy infrastructure,” said OCI Energy president Sabah Bayatli. “Today’s groundbreaking also marks the beginning of an important new chapter for the partnership between OCI Energy and Arava Power and reflects the strength of collaboration across development, financing, construction and energy procurement.”
The 1.3 GW under development by the companies represents a significant portion of the projected capacity of installations in Texas. According to the Solar Energy Industries of America, the state is expected to see 39 GW in new installations over the next 5 years.
Financing for the SunRoper project closed in February, with ING Capital acting as the sole coordinating lead arranger, bookrunner, and green loan coordinator for the transaction, with additional support from BHI and Bank of Hapoalim. The financing package included a construction-to-term loan, a tax equity bridge loan, and various letters of credit.
Arava Power now lists a portfolio of more than 2 GW of generation capacity either operating or under development across Israel and North America. OCI Energy said it is targeting a portfolio of up to 10 GW in projects under development and management by 2028.
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