Panamint Capital Launches Groundbreaking 1.2 GW Solar Initiative in Texas

Panamint Capital has officially commenced work on an ambitious renewable energy project known as Big Rooter Power, a 1.2 GWdc solar photovoltaic facility situated at the Twin Oaks power station, nestled in Robertson County, Texas. This monumental undertaking, valued at $1.7 billion, is poised to become the largest solar installation on a former coal mining site in North America.

The project will be executed in two phases, with the initial phase, Big Rooter West, set to deliver 491 MWdc and expected to commence operations by August 2028. Following that, the second phase, recognized as Big Rooter East, will introduce an additional 658 MWdc, with construction beginning in December 2026 and anticipated operational status by August 2029. The overall project development promises to create over 800 construction jobs, aligning with Panamint’s commitment to local hiring and overall community benefit.

Panamint Capital's Chief Executive Officer, Apolka Totth, emphasized the importance of Big Rooter Power in enhancing America’s energy landscape. “The completion of Big Rooter will see the Twin Oaks complex generate 1.5 GW of combined thermal and renewable power,” she said. The technological advancements included in the project will also enhance the existing infrastructure, catering to the growing electricity demands while maintaining the economic value of longstanding assets in the region.

The Big Rooter West project will continue the legacy of community empowerment that the Twin Oaks facility has maintained for the past three decades. It is projected to contribute over $66 million to the local economy, underscoring Panamint Capital's strong local focus and commitment to regional vendor partnerships.

To ensure the project aligns with modern standards and efficiency, Panamint has partnered with several prominent U.S. renewable energy firms known for their proficiency in large-scale energy infrastructure. SOLV Energy, recognized for its utility-scale energy solutions, will spearhead the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for the new facility. George Hershman, CEO of SOLV Energy, commented, “Big Rooter is not just a project; it symbolizes the extensive investments that are essential for shaping America’s energy future.”

Moreover, First Solar will manufacture about 2 million solar panels, aiding in the project’s needs, while Nextpower will enhance system performance through its innovative NX Horizon™ solar tracker systems. A significant aspect of this initiative is the use of domestically produced materials, with over 34,000 tons of American-made steel anticipated for use in construction, affirming Panamint's commitment to local manufacturing and employment.

Additionally, a power purchase agreement with one of the nation’s leading corporations ensures that the electricity produced by Big Rooter will support job creation and economic growth well into the next decades. This highlights the project's potential for far-reaching impacts on both local communities and the broader American economy.

Know that Panamint Capital is a distinctive energy investment corporation, recognized as a female-led entity that is also minority-owned by Global Atlantic Financial Group, a subsidiary of KKR, headquartered in Incline Village, Nevada. The company actively engages in revitalizing legacy energy assets and manages approximately 3 GW of renewable and conventional energy resources throughout North America. As Panamint Capital forges ahead with the Big Rooter Power project, it stands as a beacon of commitment to sustainable energy and community enhancement, aligning technology with purpose in addressing the challenges of modern energy demands.

In summary, the groundbreaking of Big Rooter Power is not merely the beginning of a solar project; it is the strategic transformation of a historic energy site into an innovative hub of power, leveraging existing infrastructures to shape a cleaner, more efficient energy future for Texas and beyond.