Hecate Energy has selected Bechtel to lead the design and construction of Sunfish Solar 2, the first project in its 1-gigawatt development in Calhoun County, Michigan, in the United States.
The Sunfish development will be one of the largest solar facilities in the state, and is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Michigan’s commitment to generating 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
When completed in 2026, it’s claimed the development will generate enough energy to power about 183,500 Michigan homes, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By offsetting nearly 1.5m tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, the facility’s environmental impact will be equivalent to removing more than 300,000 passenger vehicles from the road each year.
Sunfish Solar 2 is a 360MW DC facility, featuring 620,000 bifacial solar panels across 1,300 acres. This cutting-edge technology enables both sides of the panels to absorb sunlight, maximising energy efficiency.
Bechtel will use its award-winning digital delivery approach to design, construct, and commission the facility, leveraging autonomous technologies to enhance project delivery.
Construction is set to begin later this year, with Sunfish Solar 2 expected to create more than 350 construction jobs at peak, providing a boost to the local economy and workforce development in the region.
Scott Austin, Bechtel’s general manager of renewables and clean power, said: “We are proud to support Michigan’s renewable energy goals with this milestone project, and to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future, while also creating high-quality clean energy jobs.”
Fazli Qadir, Hecate Energy’s chief technology officer and executive vice president of engineering, procurement, and construction, said: “We are delighted to partner with Bechtel on Sunfish Solar 2.
“Bechtel brings more than 80 years of experience in delivering renewable energy projects and shares our commitment to a cleaner, greener future and long-term benefits for electricity consumers.”
Image credit: StudioFI – Shutterstock
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