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Sabanci Advances 256 MW Lucky 7 and Pepper Solar Projects

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Sabanci Renewables, the North American subsidiary of Turkish industrial conglomerate Sabanci Holding, has officially selected Signal Energy to serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for two major new solar developments in Texas. The agreement covers the construction of the Lucky 7 and Pepper solar projects, which together represent a combined capacity of 256 megawatts (MW). This partnership marks a significant acceleration in Sabanci’s strategic expansion within the United States, further solidifying its presence in the competitive ERCOT market as it builds toward a substantial renewable energy portfolio.

Lucky 7 and Pepper solar projects

The two projects are strategically located to support the Texas grid’s growing demand for clean power. The Lucky 7 Solar Project is situated in Hopkins County, while the Pepper Solar Project is located in McLennan County near Waco. By engaging Signal Energy, a firm with deep expertise in utility-scale renewable infrastructure, Sabanci aims to ensure efficient project delivery and high-quality execution. The collaboration reinforces the company’s “Bridge to a Better Future” vision, which prioritizes investments in climate technologies and sustainable infrastructure outside of its home market in Türkiye.

Sabanci Renewables Texas Portfolio: Factsheet

Developer/Owner: Sabanci Renewables (Unit of Sabanci Holding)

EPC Contractor: Signal Energy

Module Supplier: Waaree Solar Americas (Bifacial, hail-resistant modules)

Total Combined Capacity: 256 MW (DC)

Project 1: Lucky 7 Solar Project

Location: Hopkins County, Texas

Capacity: ~130 MW (DC)

Project 2: Pepper Solar Project

Location: McLennan County, Texas

Capacity: ~126 MW (DC)

Market: ERCOT (Texas)

Target Commercial Operation: 2027

Strategic Goal: Part of Sabanci’s target to reach 3 GW in the US by 2030.

Related Assets:

Cutlass II: Operational (272 MW)

Oriana Solar: Under Construction (232 MW)

This latest development brings Sabanci Renewables closer to its ambitious long-term target of establishing a 3 gigawatt (GW) renewable energy portfolio in the United States by 2030. The addition of the Lucky 7 and Pepper facilities complements the company’s existing assets, including the operational Cutlass II solar plant and the Oriana Solar project, which is currently in advanced stages of development. Once these new sites are fully operational, Sabanci’s total installed capacity in the U.S. will see a dramatic increase, positioning the firm as a key independent power producer in the region.

Strengthening the Texas Energy Landscape

To ensure resilience against the region’s volatile weather patterns, the projects will utilize advanced hardware designed for durability. Sabanci has separately contracted Waaree Solar Americas to supply 288 MWp of bifacial solar modules for these sites. These modules feature 3.2 mm high-strength glass specifically engineered to withstand hail and extreme environmental conditions, a critical consideration for solar assets operating in Texas. This supply chain strategy highlights a focus on risk mitigation and long-term asset performance, ensuring the facilities can deliver reliable power to the grid for decades.

Construction on the portfolio is expected to ramp up in the coming months, with a targeted commercial operation date set for 2027. During the construction phase, the projects are anticipated to generate hundreds of local jobs, providing a significant economic boost to the communities in Hopkins and McLennan counties. Once online, the facilities will generate enough clean electricity to power tens of thousands of homes, directly contributing to the decarbonization of the Texas energy mix and supporting the state’s energy independence.

The selection of Signal Energy and the procurement of resilient technology underscore a shift in Sabanci’s strategy toward vertical integration and robust project hardening. By partnering with top-tier contractors and suppliers, the company is mitigating the execution risks common in large-scale infrastructure projects. As the Lucky 7 and Pepper projects move from the drawing board to the field, they represent the next chapter in foreign direct investment fueling the American energy transition, demonstrating how global conglomerates are successfully leveraging US market opportunities to drive green growth—a corporate commitment to renewable procurement also exemplified as Meta signs a long-term PPA with Origis Energy for the Greyhound Solar Project in West Texas.

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