Clean energy firm Origis Energy has put into operation the Swift Air solar complex in West Texas, a 500-megawatt direct current infrastructure that will power Occidental’s facilities, including its STRATOS direct air capture plant.
Swift Air solar plant, a strategic development in 3 phases
The Swift Air project project was executed in three phases throughout Ector County, Texas, and represents a total investment of more than $650 million. This initiative reinforces Texas’ role as one of the most active solar generation territories in the United States.
The last phase will be completed and transferred before the end of 2025. Once fully operational, the three plants will provide clean energy to Occidental’s operations, which is seeking to reduce its emissions through DAC (Direct Air Capture) technology.
Energy for industrial decarbonization
Occidental Petroleum, through its Oxy Low Carbon Ventures division, will use this solar energy for solar power as a back-up for STRATOS, its large-scale carbon capture facility. This plant aims to extract carbon dioxide directly from the air for subsequent storage or industrial use.
Joe Lavoy, vice president of Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, noted that this collaboration positions the company to better address growing energy demand with sustainable solutions.
Long-term commitment to energy transition
For Origis Energy, this project reaffirms its technical capability and commitment to the deployment of large-scale solar large-scale solar solutions. According to its CEO, Vikas Anand, working with Occidental consolidates a partnership that contributes to the development of key energy infrastructure for the 21st century.
Origis operates solar generation and energy storage projects in multiple states, with a focus on operational efficiency and decarbonization of the industry.
Texas strengthens its leadership in solar energy
With this new complex, Texas consolidates its position as a central hub in the growth of photovoltaics in the USA. growth of photovoltaics in the U.S. and demonstrates how collaboration between technology developers and traditional energy companies can accelerate the transition to more sustainable models.
The combination of private investment, innovation in carbon capture and clean infrastructure development marks a new chapter in the country’s energy strategy.
Source and photo: Origis Energy