Project SunRoper: OCI Energy and Arava Power join forces for 260 MWac solar farm in Texas

OCI Energy, a prominent clean energy developer headquartered in Texas, and Israel-based Arava Power have announced a major joint venture to develop Project SunRoper, a 260 MWac solar farm in Wharton County, Texas. This collaboration marks the second partnership between the two companies, further strengthening their commitment to advancing large-scale solar energy solutions in the United States.

Located approximately 60 miles southwest of Houston, Project SunRoper is set to enhance grid reliability in one of Texas’ highest electricity-demand regions. The large-scale solar facility is expected to generate significant clean energy capacity, helping to meet growing consumer and industrial energy needs. With construction slated to begin in 2025, the project underscores OCI Energy and Arava Power’s strategic focus on expanding their footprint in the US renewable energy market.

What Is Driving the Growth of Solar Energy Investments in Texas?

Texas has emerged as a leading hub for renewable energy investments, particularly in solar power. With a high demand for electricity and an increasing focus on sustainable energy alternatives, solar developments like Project SunRoper play a critical role in shaping the state’s energy landscape. The project aligns with Texas’ broader efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance energy security.

OCI Energy’s president, Sabah Bayatli, emphasized that the partnership with Arava Power represents a shared vision for clean energy innovation. He highlighted that Project SunRoper is more than just an infrastructure investment; it is a step toward economic growth, grid stability, and a sustainable future.

Arava Power’s CEO, Ilan Zidkony, described the joint venture as a continuation of the company’s long-term strategy to expand in the United States. He pointed to the success of Project SunRay, a 200 MWac solar farm in Uvalde County, Texas, which Arava Power acquired from OCI Energy in 2021 and successfully brought online in September 2024. Zidkony credited the strong collaboration between the two companies for driving growth in the US solar market.

How Will Project SunRoper Contribute to Texas’ Clean Energy Goals?

Project SunRoper is designed to deliver multiple benefits beyond energy generation. The project will support Texas’ renewable energy targets by reducing carbon emissions and integrating more sustainable power sources into the grid. By leveraging advanced solar technology, the project aims to enhance energy efficiency while lowering costs for consumers.

The solar farm is also expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the region. During construction, local workers will be employed, providing opportunities for skilled labor and engineering professionals. Additionally, ongoing maintenance and operational roles will contribute to long-term employment growth in the area.

The partnership between OCI Energy and Arava Power reflects a growing trend of international collaboration in the clean energy sector. By combining their expertise, the companies aim to accelerate the transition toward a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.

What Role Does Energy Storage Play in Renewable Expansion?

In addition to large-scale solar developments, energy storage plays a crucial role in enhancing grid stability and ensuring a consistent power supply. OCI Energy has been actively investing in energy storage solutions to complement its renewable energy projects.

On December 6, 2024, OCI Energy and CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned electric and natural gas utility in the United States, announced a long-term storage capacity agreement for Alamo City ESS LLC, a 120 MW / 480 MWh battery energy storage project in southeastern Bexar County, Texas. The storage facility will provide additional grid resilience by storing excess energy during peak production periods and discharging it when demand is high.

Under the agreement, OCI Energy will finance, develop, construct, and operate the storage project, while CPS Energy will retain operational control to optimize energy distribution in the San Antonio region. The battery storage system will be designed for a four-hour discharge duration, allowing it to supply full capacity for extended periods, thereby improving energy reliability.

The Alamo City ESS LLC project is a key component of CPS Energy’s Vision 2027 generation plan and will bring the utility’s total contracted battery storage capacity to 520 MW. By integrating energy storage solutions with solar projects like Project SunRoper, OCI Energy is working to create a more stable and efficient renewable energy network.

How Is OCI Energy Supporting Community and Educational Initiatives?

As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, OCI Energy has pledged $250,000 to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to support educational initiatives related to energy storage and sustainability. This investment aims to foster research and workforce development in renewable energy technologies.

The funding will enable UTSA to expand its programs focused on energy innovation, preparing students for careers in the fast-growing clean energy sector. By collaborating with academic institutions, OCI Energy is helping to build the next generation of energy professionals who will drive future advancements in sustainable power solutions.

What Does the Future Hold for OCI Energy and Arava Power’s Partnership?

The continued collaboration between OCI Energy and Arava Power signals a long-term commitment to renewable energy expansion in the United States. With Project SunRoper and Project SunRay already establishing a strong presence in Texas, the two companies are expected to explore further opportunities to develop utility-scale solar and energy storage projects.

As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, large-scale initiatives like Project SunRoper will play an increasingly vital role in meeting sustainability goals while supporting economic growth. OCI Energy and Arava Power’s combined expertise and investment strategies position them as key players in the evolving energy market.

By focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, OCI Energy and Arava Power are shaping the future of renewable energy in Texas and beyond. As construction begins on Project SunRoper in 2025, the project is set to become a benchmark for large-scale solar energy development in the region.