Renewable Energy : Aktina Renewable Power Project Stretches Over Five Miles
In southeastern Texas surrounded by farmland, Rosendin’s Renewable Energy Group (REG) has begun building the largest renewable energy solar power project in the state. The Aktina Renewable Power Project calls for the installation of 1.4 million solar modules across 4,000 acres in Wharton County, located outside the Houston Metro area.
Rosendin, one of the nation’s largest employee-owned electrical contractors, is constructing the 500MWac/631MWdc solar project with Tokyo Gas America, Ltd. (TGA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan’s largest provider of city gas, Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd. (Tokyo Gas).
Aktina will provide capacity to generate 500MWac/631MWdc of renewable energy, enough to power 100,000 homes. To meet growing regional demand, power generated at Aktina will be brought online in blocks starting in mid-2021 and sold to the ERCOT wholesale market.
“Rosendin has been working closely with Tokyo Gas America to construct the most highly anticipated solar project in one of the fastest growing regions with an abundant solar resource. We are very excited to be working with such a forward-thinking partner that is committed to increasing renewable power generation in Texas and around the world,” said David Lincoln, Rosendin Senior Vice President, Rosendin Renewable Energy Group.
“Tokyo Gas America chose to partner with Rosendin’s Renewable Energy Group because they align with developers, from the early stage through construction, to address unique challenges in the utility scale solar industry,” said Ken Kiriishi, Senior Vice President, Tokyo Gas America. “This collaborative approach and ability to secure a stable workforce gave us confidence to launch our first American solar facility that we are taking from construction to commercial operation.”
Parent company Tokyo Gas is on track to own over 1,365 MWdc of total renewable energy capacity globally. The company aims to grow renewable power capacity to 5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and achieve net-zero CO2 emissions as outlined in the company’s ‘Compass 2030’ vision.
Rosendin is the only Tier 1 Solar EPC in the industry that designs and self performs the full spectrum of low-, medium-, and high voltage electrical, substation and transmission work. Over the past 15 years, REG has delivered over 3 GW of solar project installations in the U.S. and Canada, with more than 1 GW currently under construction and over 2 GW in development.
To construct the Aktina facility, Rosendin hired 500 employees and union contractors with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) following all COVID-19 safety protocols. The team is currently comprised of over 30% women which significantly surpasses industry averages.
“Rosendin is a trusted partner that is dedicated to building strong, diverse teams that provide career opportunities for anyone interested in building our infrastructure, and we are thrilled to contribute to this landmark project,” said Damon Sebren, IBEW Local 716 Business Manager.
One of the fastest-growing renewable energy groups in the country, Rosendin’s REG is building a robust workforce through active recruitment of experienced engineers, estimators, and project managers. A 100% employee owned company, Rosendin offers a sustainable and productive career path for industry professionals who want to make a difference. As an innovative company dedicated to inclusivity and equity, Rosendin offers a wide range of opportunities for growth potential to qualified professionals.
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