OCI Energy and Sabanci Renewables Collaborate for Clean Power Advancements in Texas

Collaborative Advancements in Clean Energy

On July 15, 2025, OCI Energy LLC and Sabanci Renewables announced a significant partnership that aims to enhance clean energy solutions in Texas with their joint project, Project Pepper. This collaboration marks an important milestone for both companies as they work together to harness solar energy to meet the increasing demands for reliable and affordable power in the region.

Project Overview

Project Pepper, strategically located in McLennan County, Texas, represents a utility-scale solar power initiative that has been developed by OCI Energy from the ground up. Their rigorous development process included every phase from site acquisition to pre-construction site studies, permitting, and ensuring grid interconnection. Now, Sabanci Renewables will take the reins to finance, construct, own, and ultimately operate the project, which is projected to become operational in the third quarter of 2027.

President of OCI Energy, Sabah Bayatli, expressed pride in reaching this significant milestone for Project Pepper. He stated, "This transaction exemplifies the strength of our development platform and our team's extensive market expertise. Our mission has always been to support energy transition goals across Texas and the wider U.S., and we are eager to see Project Pepper contribute to the growing clean energy economy under Sabanci's leadership."

Strategic Growth and Confidence in the U.S. Market

The CEO of Sabanci Climate Technologies, Tolga Kaan Doğancıoğlu, welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with OCI Energy, recognizing Project Pepper as an effectively executed project that complements their growth strategy within the United States. "This partnership not only reflects our confidence in the U.S. energy market, but also our commitment to developing a robust power portfolio," said Doğancıoğlu. With this latest acquisition, Sabanci Renewables now boasts a combined solar capacity of 660 MWdc that is either operational or under construction, progressing towards their ambitious goal of attaining a 3,000 MWdc renewable portfolio by 2030.

OCI Energy's Leadership in Solar Development

This partnership continues to underline OCI Energy's position as a leader in the development of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects across the United States. Currently, OCI Energy is managing a pipeline of over 5 GWac of projects under development, positioning itself as a significant player in the U.S. clean energy landscape.

Legal representation for this transaction was provided by Sidley Austin LLP for OCI Energy, while Troutmann Pepper Locke LLP represented Sabanci Renewables, ensuring a smooth progression through the legal complexities associated with such a major investment.

About the Companies

Established in 2012, OCI Energy is dedicated to expediting the clean energy transition by developing efficient solar and storage assets. They are working on a diverse portfolio of projects aimed at achieving 10 GW of operational capacity by 2028. Meanwhile, Sabanci Renewables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Türkiye's Sabancı Holding, has been operational since 1925 and is focused on establishing a 3 GW renewable portfolio in the U.S. by the end of 2030.

Together, these two companies are setting a vital precedent for the future of clean energy, capturing the essence of sustainability and collaboration in the modern energy market. As Project Pepper takes shape, it will serve as a shining example of how strategic partnerships can empower the clean energy movement as communities across the U.S. seek sustainable energy solutions.