Renewables company Lightsource BP has completed the Peacock Solar project in Texas aimed at providing power to Gulf Coast Growth Ventures’ (GCGV) manufacturing facility, Lightsource said in a Jan. 24 press release.

The 187-megawatt project in San Patricio County is designed to generate more than 360,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually.

Peacock is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 256,000 metric tons annually, the equivalent of emissions from approximately 55,000 gas-powered cars, said Lightsource, which is owned by BP Plc.

GCGV, a joint venture between Exxon Mobil and Saudi Basic Industries Corp., produces materials used to manufacture goods including agricultural film and construction materials.

Lightsource and GCGV’s partnership marks the first utility-scale solar installation powering an Exxon-operated facility, Lightsource said.

“The Peacock Solar project adds to Lightsource bp’s operational fleet in Texas, helping reduce carbon emissions while diversifying the state’s energy mix to enhance security and reliability,” said Helen Brauner, Lightsource BP USA interim COO.

The project will also be home to a range of agricultural and biodiversity projects such as planting vegetation around the solar panels, improving ecosystem functions at the farm and sheep grazing, Lightsource said.

 "By layering on biodiversity and agrivoltaics initiatives, projects like Peacock offer a win-win for both the environment and local communities,” Brauner said.

The company said it anticipates Peacock to generate more than $25 million in tax revenue over 25 years.

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