This podcast contains comments from BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) general manager Gary Miller, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.

The Chicago based company that is building what they say is the nation's largest solar energy farm...where BTU is one of eight customers...reports construction will be completed in 2023.

BTU general manager Gary Miller says solar is the most economical option for acquiring additional electricity.

Miller says when completed, the solar farm that's being built across three counties in northeast Texas will provide about one-third of the power required for BTU customers and 20 percent of the load on the Texas A&M campus.

Miller says BTU's natural gas generators are not going away, because solar and wind energy can not be produced on a 24/7 basis.


Additional information from solar energy farm owner Invenergy:

Invenergy, a leading privately-held global developer and operator of sustainable energy solutions, today announced a 1,310-megawatt solar energy generation facility that will be the largest in the United States upon completion. Currently under construction in northeast Texas, the Samson Solar Energy Center will support the sustainability objectives of five major consumer brands and supply power to three Texas municipalities.

• AT&T: 500 MW
• Honda: 200 MW
• McDonald’s: 160 MW
• City of Bryan, TX: 150 MW
• Google: 100 MW
• City of Denton, TX: 75 MW
• The Home Depot: 50 MW
• City of Garland, TX: 25 MW

Located in Lamar, Red River and Franklin Counties, Samson Solar is a $1.6 billion capital investment and will support up to 600 jobs over the course of the 36-month construction period. In addition, the project will drive significant local economic development, bringing more than $250 million in landowner payments and supporting local communities through nearly $200 million in property tax payments over the life of the project.

Samson Solar will be constructed in five phases over the next three years, with each phase commencing operation upon completion. The full project is slated to be operational in 2023. When complete, it will produce enough energy to power nearly 300,000 American homes.