San Marcos signs onto new solar farm


CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training – Electrical Safety Compliance Course

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$249
Coupon Price:
$199
Reserve Your Seat Today
The San Marcos City Council has approved an economic development agreement with International Power, a company that will build a $74 million solar power plant generating 20 megawatts of electricity adjacent to the Hays Power Plant.

The City Council approved a resolution for a Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement, providing for no annexation into the city limits of a 137-acre site on Francis Harris Road for seven years.

The city will receive tax payments on the solar array that will be built on the Hays Power PlantÂ’s current site located on 100 acres inside the city limits, estimated at $1.3 million in revenues over 20 years.

“This agreement will assist International Power in its investment in a solar farm that will generate wholesale electricity using the latest technology,” Mayor Susan Narvaiz said.

“We are delighted to support advances that will contribute to the region’s clean power resources.”

The “solar photovoltaic” project will convert sunlight into direct current electricity that will tie to existing Lower Colorado River Authority transmission lines and produce 20 megawatts of energy for resale. The city of San Marcos electric utility purchases its wholesale power from the LCRA.

International Power, one of the worldÂ’s leading power generation companies operating in 21 countries, operates a wholesale power company in southeast San Marcos called Hays Power Plant.

The company plans to build the majority of the solar array on a 137-acre parcel in Hays County outside the city limits but contiguous to their current plant located on 100 acres inside city limits.

The company considered two other locations — Victoria & Dallas — where they own property and have plants in operation.

Under the agreement, the plant will be called the San Marcos-Hays Solar Project.

The pact allows the company to request a three-year extension on the no-annexation clause should the estimated valuations of the property be less than $30 million in the seventh year.

“If the company is able to move as they predict, the San Marcos-Hays Solar Project will be in operation by 2013, making it one of the largest solar plants in the state,” Amy Madison, president and CEO of the Greater San Marcos Economic Development Corporation, said. “The project is an all-win for the company, San Marcos and Hays County. It has no negative impact on the environment and it broadens our strong focus on green energy and sustainable development.” Narvaiz said.

Related News

FPL stages massive response to Irma but power may not be back for days or weeks

FPL Power Restoration mobilizes Florida linemen and mutual-aid utility crews to repair the grid, track…
View more

Here's what we know about the mistaken Pickering nuclear alert one week later

Pickering Nuclear Alert Error prompts Ontario investigation into the Alert Ready emergency alert system, Pelmorex…
View more

Zapping elderly brains with electricity improves short-term memory — for almost an hour

Transcranial electrical stimulation synchronizes brain waves to bolster working memory, aligning neural oscillations across the…
View more

Ontario Teachers Pension Plan agrees to acquire a 25% stake in SSEN Transmission

Ontario Teachers SSEN Transmission Investment advances UK renewable energy, with a 25% minority stake in…
View more

European gas prices fall to pre-Ukraine war level

European Gas Prices hit pre-invasion lows as LNG inflows, EU storage gains, and softer oil…
View more

5 ways Texas can improve electricity reliability and save our economy

Texas Power Grid Reliability faces ERCOT blackouts and winter storm risks; solutions span weatherization, natural…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.