Vesper Energy has completed one of the landmark milestones in its flagship renewable energy initiative by erecting the last module at Hornet Solar in Swisher County, Texas. The project will now be capable of completing its full operation once it has achieved the successful commissioning of over 1.36 million modules.

Hornet Solar to Deliver 600 MW of Renewable Power

Hornet Solar is expected to generate significant renewable energy from the grid across more than six square miles. Once operational, it will generate 600 megawatt alternating current (MWac) of clean energy to power 160,000 homes annually.

Safety and Efficiency Achievements

Juan Suarez, Co-CEO of Vesper Energy, praised the team’s performance in completing the project on schedule and within budget, “The seamless coordination between our team and our EPC partner, Blattner, has enabled us to remain ahead of schedule and on budget while ensuring quality throughout the process.”

He added, “Most notably, the team accomplished this task with zero recordable injuries, underscoring a commitment to safety and excellence.” 

Also read: Vesper Energy secures $592 million investment for Hornet Solar Project 

Innovative Technology at Hornet Solar

The Hornet Solar project uses bifacial photovoltaic modules with a single-axis tracking system. The technology enables the collection of sunlight by both sides of the module, thus maximizing the overall energy collection and efficiency. The project connects to Oncor Electric’s transmission system in Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and also will deliver power to four off-take partners via separate Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs).

On Track for Commercialization by Spring 2025

Vesper Energy is targeting full commercialization of the Hornet Solar project by spring 2025. The successful installation of the final module marks a major step toward bringing the 600 MW solar plant online and contributing to the growth of renewable energy in Texas.

Blastr Green Steel (Blastr) announced closing of its second strategic partner financing round, securing critical funding to advance its European integrated ultra-low CO2 steel value chain. The investment will support the development of its flagship steel plant in Inkoo, Finland, a key milestone in Blastr’s goal to revolutionize the steel industry with sustainable practices.

New Investors Join Blastr’s Sustainable Vision

The latest financing round added three new investors alongside Blastr’s founders, all committed to driving sustainable growth. Aurora Infrastructure, a leader in the Nordic region’s asset financing and electricity network development, is one of the new investors. Other new investors include Onvest Oy, focused on sustainable growth, and Security Trading Oy, aiming for a resilient future. Their collective support will be pivotal in advancing Blastr’s mission of transforming the steel industry with low-carbon solutions.

Blastr’s founding investors—Cargill, Tesi, and Vanir Green Industries—boosted their stakes in the company during this financing round.

Blastr’s Sustainable Steel Revolution

The investment will help Blastr move forward with its innovative low-carbon steelmaking process. Blastr’s approach replaces coal with hydrogen and uses carbon-free energy, cutting CO2 emissions by 90% compared to traditional methods. This mine-to-gate model offers both a profitable business proposition and a minimal carbon footprint.

Mark Bula, CEO of Blastr Green Steel, “Blastr warmly welcomes the new partners who all share our vision for a more sustainable steel industry, and the strong continued commitment from our founding investors. The successful closing of this second partner round is a real credit to our team and partners, demonstrating the viability of our business model and mine-to-gate value proposition.”

Blastr will use the capital to develop its Inkoo steel plant and expand its pellet plant, producing 6 million tons annually. These initiatives will be crucial in Finland’s push for green steel production and the broader transition to sustainable energy.

Also read: Suzlon Group Secures 400MW Wind Power Order for Steel Sector Decarbonization

Environmental Approval in Progress

In late 2024, Blastr submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Inkoo plant to Finnish authorities. The report confirms that the project can proceed in an environmentally sustainable manner. Based on the findings, Blastr plans to apply for environmental permits for the Inkoo project in 2025, moving another step closer to its goal of producing green steel.