The Texas A&M University System has forged a partnership with the Center for Solar Energy to develop a $600m solar energy research center.
The proposed research center, being developed with PPA Partners, will assess, develop and test practical and emergent technologies that are associated with renewable energy and photovoltaic solar technologies.
Commenting on the project, Texas A&M University System chancellor John Sharp said that the collaborative partnership with Center for Solar Energy will make the university a destination for the study and advancement of solar energy.
Center for Solar Energy executive director Bruce Mercy said, "Technological innovation is the cornerstone of the Center’s programs, and it will use the 50MW solar field to create a baseline of data for grading new and existing technologies, while also providing a basis for research.
"Developers of promising early stage technologies will thus be attracted to Central Texas for training, support, and validation."
When completed, the solar energy research center will feature an advanced renewable power generation system that will power the A&M-Central Texas campus.