Construction has commenced on the 347MW-direct current (MWdc) SunRoper Solar project in Wharton County, Texas, US, following a groundbreaking ceremony.
The SunRoper project is being developed through a joint venture between OCI Energy and Arava Power.
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The solar facility is expected to start operations in December 2027, supplying electricity to a Fortune 100 company under a long-term power purchase agreement.
Located near the Houston metropolitan area, SunRoper is set to expand the region’s generation capacity to support rising power demand.
The total investment is projected to be approximately $394m. ING is providing construction financing including a construction-to-term loan, a tax equity bridge loan and several letters of credit.
ING has been named sole coordinating lead arranger, sole green loan coordinator and sole bookrunner, and will also serve as administrative agent.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by representatives from OCI Energy, ING, Arava Power, WHC and local landowners.
OCI Energy president Sabah Bayatli said: “SunRoper demonstrates how strategic partnerships can help meet Texas’ growing demand for electricity through investments in critical energy infrastructure.
“Today’s groundbreaking also marks the beginning of an important new chapter for the partnership between OCI Energy and Arava Power and reflects the strength of collaboration across development, financing, construction and energy procurement.”
The construction contract for SunRoper has been awarded to WHC.
WHC North America power president Randel Badeaux said: “This groundbreaking reflects months of careful planning and coordination with OCI Energy, Arava Power and our project partners, and we look forward to executing a safe, high-quality build through to completion in 2027.”
Once operational, SunRoper will provide new electricity generation for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market, along with supporting local economic activity during both the construction phase and the project’s operating lifespan.
The project brings together experience from multiple energy industry organisations.
In May 2026, OCI Energy and Arava Power signed a membership interest purchase agreement related to the La Salle Solar project, a 670MWdc utility-scale development in Texas.
