Until then, Third Pillar Solar has joined forces with Diamond Infrastructure Solutions on a new and novel endeavor. Together, they will create the state’s most ambitious floating solar project. This program will produce a minimum of 500 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy. If built, it would be North America’s largest floating solar installation by far! The controversial project requires over $700 million in investments. Construction will begin soon and we hope to have it finished by 2030.
The partnership between Third Pillar Solar and Diamond Infrastructure Solutions isn’t just new for New England, it’s a first for all of North America. It aims to focus on previously underused water surfaces for renewable energy production. This smart approach provides remarkable community benefits. While this new approach addresses pressing energy infrastructure needs, it holds tremendous community benefits. The $76 million project is especially important for Texas, a state and area that has dealt with the adverse effects of water-less-ness.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The new floating solar project will deliver hundreds of new local jobs during the construction and operational periods alike. By taking advantage of these underused water surfaces, it protects water supplies and generates energy at the same time. It will preserve about 15% of the freshwater that it now loses to evaporation. Besides being inclusive by design, this effort addresses one of the most serious environmental justice concerns for the region.
In talking about the project, Diamond Infrastructure Solutions CEO Ed Noack focused on how the innovative collaboration goes far beyond the interstate extension.
“Our agreement with Third Pillar marks a bold step forward in how we think about infrastructure and sustainability. By transforming underutilised water surfaces into clean energy assets, Diamond is advancing its commitment to innovation while delivering long-term value. It’s a win for industry, communities and the environment.” – Ed Noack, CEO of Diamond Infrastructure Solutions
What makes this project remarkable is its size. It strikes an enormous balance between protecting and investing in sometimes fragile local economies and ecosystems.
Innovative Energy Solutions
The demand for large-scale energy solutions from utilities is climbing. This floating solar project showcases the transformative power of renewable energy technologies. Third Pillar CEO Jaimeet Gulati remarked on the significance of the initiative, stating:
“This agreement demonstrates the growing appetite for utility-scale energy solutions and highlights how floating solar can enhance and transform the value of existing infrastructure, all while providing cost-competitive energy, preserving agricultural land, reducing evaporation losses and existing out of public view. We’re honoured to be the chosen partner for such an innovative initiative.” – Jaimeet Gulati, CEO of Third Pillar Solar
Together, the partnership is ushering in a new era of sustainable practices in the energy generation industry, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to tackle modern-day challenges.
Supply Chain Collaboration
Diamond Infrastructure Solutions is about to kick off a floating solar project. They hope to work with Third Pillar Solar on localized supply chain development. Strengthening local economies, this partnership has a wide focus on wealth building. It creates opportunities for impacted regional businesses to actively engage with the project.
This forward-looking collaboration between two energy giants to deliver on the promise of innovation and sustainability goes beyond energy generation. Then, they leverage their collective knowledge to ideas to provide long-term advantages to every neighborhood concerned. Their drive continues to be doing what’s best for the people back home.