A new 250-megawatt utility-scale solar development has been announced for West Texas after NextEra Energy Resources and Graphic Packaging Holding Company revealed plans for the Selenite Springs Energy Center under a renewable energy agreement unveiled on April 29, 2026.

 

The announcement details plans to develop the large-scale solar facility in West Texas, with commercial operations scheduled to begin by the end of 2027. The project forms part of Graphic Packaging’s broader strategy to expand renewable electricity use across its manufacturing operations.

 

Under the agreement, NextEra Energy Resources will develop and operate the solar facility, while Graphic Packaging will purchase renewable energy credits and associated environmental attributes through a virtual power purchase agreement. The deal is expected to help support the company’s long-term sustainability and emissions reduction goals.

Texas Continues to Attract Major Solar Investment

The Selenite Springs Energy Center adds to the growing pipeline of utility-scale renewable energy developments underway across Texas, a state that continues to attract large investments in solar generation due to its strong energy demand, expansive land availability, and favorable transmission infrastructure.

 

The announcement also comes as the broader U.S. power sector faces mounting pressure to accelerate grid access for new generation projects, a challenge highlighted by the recent surge in PJM interconnection applications as developers race to secure connection capacity amid rising electricity demand.

 

Executives from both companies said the agreement reflects increasing collaboration between industrial manufacturers and renewable energy developers as corporations seek more stable and sustainable energy sourcing strategies.

 

For NextEra Energy Resources, the project further strengthens its position as one of the largest renewable energy developers in North America, while Graphic Packaging views the agreement as part of its strategy to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact across its production network.

 

Once operational, the Selenite Springs Energy Center will add significant clean energy capacity to the Texas grid while supporting continued investment and construction activity across the region’s renewable energy sector.

Selenite Springs Energy Center — Project Factsheet

• Developer: NextEra Energy Resources, LLC
• Offtaker: Graphic Packaging Holding Company (sole buyer)
• Agreement type: Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA)
• Location: West Texas, within the ERCOT market
• Capacity: 250 megawatts (MW) solar
• Expected commercial operation: End of 2027
• Energy coverage: 43% of Graphic Packaging’s 2025 electricity usage in the U.S. and Canada
• Grid contribution: Adds new American-made solar energy to the ERCOT grid, supporting grid reliability and cost efficiency
• GHG impact: Expected to reduce Graphic Packaging’s global Scope 1 & 2 emissions by ~20% from the 2021 baseline
• Renewable energy impact: Increases Graphic Packaging’s total global purchased renewable electricity to 49%
• Strategic significance: Largest VPPA in Graphic Packaging’s history; key milestone toward its 50.4% emissions reduction target by 2032 and net zero by 2050