Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) has begun construction on a large-scale solar power plant in Texas, solidifying its push into the U.S. renewable energy market.

The company is an equity investor in the ₩750 billion (approximately USD 540 million) project through a consortium known as “Team Korea,” which brings together public and private partners including Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO), Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND), EIP Asset Management, and PIS Fund.

The solar plant, to be built in Concho County northwest of Austin, will generate 350 MWac of capacity across 11.74 million square meters — an area larger than 1,650 soccer fields. Once operational in June 2027, it is expected to produce 926 GWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power about 260,000 households using an average of 300 kWh per month.

Hyundai E&C has played a key role since the project’s early stages, handling equity investment, technical assessments, and supplying solar modules. Construction is being executed by U.S.-based Primoris, while Korea Midland Power will handle operations and maintenance.

Power from the plant will be sold under Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) to global corporations including Starbucks and Workday, positioning Hyundai E&C as a serious player in the U.S. clean energy sector.

“This project marks a strategic foothold for Hyundai E&C in advanced energy markets,” said a Hyundai E&C official. “We will continue to lead in energy transition by strengthening our technological capabilities and expanding investment-driven business models globally.”

Despite shifts in U.S. renewable energy policy — such as the solar tax credit’s expiration moving from 2032 to 2027 — Hyundai said the project will not be impacted due to its planned completion date.

The project also showcases Korea’s collaborative PPP model for international infrastructure, highlighting how Korean companies and institutions can combine forces to win large-scale energy projects abroad.

This Texas project is Hyundai E&C’s largest solar initiative outside Asia and demonstrates its growing ambitions in the North American renewable market. Industry analysts say Hyundai’s investment strategy reflects a broader trend of Korean firms using equity stakes and VPPAs to secure stable revenue streams in global clean energy markets.

By combining its engineering expertise with strong local partnerships, Hyundai E&C hopes to build a foundation for future U.S. projects in wind, hydrogen, and energy storage.

The company has also signaled interest in exploring community energy initiatives in Texas, which could benefit local economies by creating construction jobs and boosting local tax revenues. As clean energy demand grows among major corporations, Hyundai’s leadership says it intends to pursue more large-scale renewable projects in North America and beyond.

Originally reported by Choi Eun-nam in Korea Post.