Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a leading sustainable energy company and a member of the Iberdrola Group, has announced a significant milestone in its renewable energy endeavors. The company has successfully initiated power generation from the True North solar project located in Falls County, Texas, near Waco. This marks an important achievement for Avangrid, as 20 MW of the project have been commissioned, with full commercial operations expected to commence by the end of the year.

Avangrid's first solar project in Texas

The True North project represents Avangrid’s largest solar power endeavor to date and is the company's first solar project in Texas. The completion of this project will significantly bolster the state's renewable energy capacity and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. Once fully operational, True North will have a capacity of 238 MWac (321 MWdc), making it a critical asset in Avangrid’s renewable energy portfolio.

Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, expressed his satisfaction with the project's progress. He highlighted the importance of this achievement not only for the timely completion of the True North project but also for the state of Texas. Azagra acknowledged the diligent efforts of their team and contractors, who have ensured that additional power will be supplied to the Texas electrical grid as the summer months approach, a time when energy demand typically surges. 

The True North solar farm will provide clean, renewable energy to support Meta’s net zero commitment, including powering its upcoming data center in neighboring Temple. This data center will be Meta’s second facility in Texas and will operate entirely on renewable energy supplied by True North. Prior to the commencement of full commercial operations expected at the end of 2024, the project will already begin supplying power to customers on the Texas grid, enhancing the state’s energy independence and sustainability.

Impact on the local economy

In addition to its environmental benefits, the True North project is having a positive impact on the local economy. The construction and operation phases are generating numerous local jobs and supporting community initiatives. Over its lifespan, the project is expected to generate more than $40 million in property taxes, which will directly support public services such as safety, fire protection, and education in the local community.

Avangrid has a strong track record in the renewable energy sector, having developed, built, and operated renewable energy facilities in Texas for over 15 years. The company boasts more than 1,200 MW of installed wind capacity in the state and has made significant contributions to local economies through property tax payments. To date, Avangrid has paid more than 100 million dollars in property taxes from its existing renewable energy facilities, underscoring its long-term commitment to the regions in which it operates.

French market

Mathieu Cambet, Deputy General Manager in charge of photovoltaic solar energy at GreenYellow France, highlighted the importance of this program in solidifying GreenYellow's leadership in promoting self-consumption in France. Cambet noted that the company is now entering the operational phase of the True North project, focusing on development, finalizing the selection of technical partners, and creating the global ecosystem necessary for the project's deployment.

Romain Butte, General Manager of GreenYellow France, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Carrefour. He explained that the solar partnership with Meta would significantly reduce the group's energy bill through self-consumption, contributing to Meta's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030 and meeting the ApER Law requirements for parking lots over 1,500 m². Additionally, the photovoltaic canopies would enhance the customer experience by offering protection from bad weather and the sun.

In summary, the initiation of power generation at the True North solar project marks a pivotal moment for Avangrid and the state of Texas. The project not only advances the clean energy transition but also brings economic benefits to the local community. As Avangrid continues to develop and expand its renewable energy portfolio, projects like True North play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable energy future.