Bechtel Wins Contract for Texas Cold Creek Solar Project

Bechtel has been selected by Doral Renewables to deliver the Cold Creek solar and battery storage project — a major renewable energy development planned across Schleicher and Tom Green counties in Texas. The utility-scale project reinforces Texas’ position as a U.S. leader in clean power generation and modern grid infrastructure.

Cold Creek is designed to produce roughly 430MW of renewable energy through approximately 850,000 solar modules, supporting enough electricity to power tens of thousands of homes. The facility will also feature a 340MWh battery energy storage system, enabling the grid to draw power during peak demand or weather-related stress — a key priority in Texas after recent grid reliability challenges.

Bechtel will lead the project’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) delivery, marking its fifth large-scale solar project in Texas and expanding its national partnership with Doral Renewables. The two companies previously collaborated on the Mammoth Solar project in Indiana, one of the largest solar developments underway in the United States.

Bechtel said the project will provide major economic benefits during construction, including up to 500 jobs at peak workforce, supporting skilled trades and local contractors.

Scott Austin, Bechtel’s general manager of renewables and clean power, emphasized the significance of the investment. “The Cold Creek project highlights the power of an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Cold Creek will make the Texas grid stronger and more reliable for years to come. We are proud to bring Bechtel’s experience to this important project and support Doral Renewables’ mission to deliver reliable, homegrown power to Texas.

Texas remains the #1 state in the nation for solar development, and grid modernization initiatives are accelerating due to population growth and extreme weather pressures. Projects like Cold Creek are expected to:

• Expand energy independence and peak-time supply through storage integration
• Reduce strain on fossil generation systems
• Support state climate goals while maintaining affordability

Cold Creek is expected to enter commercial operations in 2028, once construction and interconnection infrastructure are completed.

The announcement underscores growing demand for reliable, domestic renewable energy solutions — particularly in fast-growing regions of Texas with rising residential and industrial power needs.

Originally reported by Joe Quirke in GCR.