Renewable energy developer OCI Energy and Israeli solar energy company Arava Power have entered into a joint venture (JV) to develop a 260MW solar farm project, dubbed SunRoper, in Texas, US.
To be built approximately 96.5km southwest of Houston in Wharton County, the SunRoper project is expected to enhance clean energy capacity in one of the highest electricity demand regions in Texas and the US.
The project will span 2,000 acres as a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installation. Construction of the solar farm project is set to commence this year.
This partnership marks the second collaboration between OCI Energy and Arava Power. In 2021, Arava Power acquired OCI Energy’s 200MW SunRay solar farm project in Uvalde County, Texas.
The SunRay facility became operational in September 2024.
Established in 2012, OCI Energy develops and manages solar and battery energy storage assets, targeting a 10GW portfolio by 2028.
OCI Energy president Sabah Bayatli said: “The partnership between OCI Energy and Arava Power reflects our shared vision for advancing solar energy solutions and enhancing grid reliability in high-demand markets.
“Project SunRoper represents a significant step forward to drive economic growth and energy security across communities in Texas and beyond, advancing our mission to enable a sustainable, prosperous future.”
By combining their expertise, OCI Energy and Arava Power aim to strengthen Texas’ renewable energy infrastructure.
Both parties also aim to support emissions reduction, energy reliability, and economic growth through job creation and regional investment.
Sidley Austin served as legal counsel to OCI Energy while Norton Rose Fulbright represented Arava Power on the transaction.
Arava Power, which is said to be a pioneer in Israel’s utility-scale PV market since 2007, operates a multi-gigawatt portfolio of solar and storage projects in Israel and the US.
Arava Power CEO Ilan Zidkony said: “Our fruitful cooperation with OCI Energy and the exceptional synergy between our teams have been instrumental in our success. “By harnessing our extensive experience with Project SunRay and leveraging our strong partnerships, we are confident that this collaboration will pave the path to a successful and sustainable future.”
