The German firm plans to install over 350,000 PV panels and create about 300 jobs in Texas. E.ON SE, a German holding company, is currently in the news for breaking ground on its 100-MW (megawatt) West of the Pecos solar project at Reeves County in Texas, USA. Sources familiar with the development revealed that the commissioning of the new project is anticipated by December 2019. The project will reportedly comprise over 350,000 PV (photovoltaic) panels, installed over a 670-acre area. It has also been reported that the project, in May 2018, secured a long-term PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) for 50 MW with the Texas-based SK E&S LNG, a subsidiary of South Korea-based SK E&S Co. Ltd., one of the largest and leading energy companies in South Korea. According to Silvia Ortin, COO, E.ON, North America, the company is excited to develop its first solar project in Texas and will continue its investment in renewable generation that is likely to benefit local communities across the US. She further said that breaking ground on a project of this big in size is a significant step for the company towards becoming a leader in the North American solar market. As reported by Renewables Now, E.ON has built, developed, and operated over 3,800 MW of solar, wind, and energy storage facilities across the US and there are expectedly more coming up. The West of the Pecos project will reportedly be its first solar project in Texas and is projected to open up nearly 300 jobs in its construction phase. Nathanaël Esposito, President, Solar & Storage, North America is thrilled with the support it received from the local community. He further revealed that the company is pleased to invest and create employment opportunities in the Reeves County, besides delivering clean electricity to the Texas grid. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, E.ON leads the global renewables segment and has already invested over $12 billion and operates about 5.4 GW (gigawatts) of renewable capacity.
