Bechtel, a leading global engineering, construction, and project management firm, has been selected by Hecate Energy to spearhead the design and construction of Sunfish Solar 2, the inaugural project in Michigan’s ambitious 1-gigawatt solar development. This landmark project will be a major step forward in Michigan’s commitment to achieving 50% renewable energy generation by 2030.
Located in Calhoun County, Michigan, the Sunfish Solar development will be one of the largest solar facilities in the state. Upon completion in 2026, the project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 183,500 Michigan homes, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The project will also have a significant environmental impact, offsetting nearly 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to removing over 300,000 passenger vehicles from the road each year.
Sunfish Solar 2 is a cutting-edge 360 MW DC facility, featuring 620,000 bifacial solar panels spread across 1,300 acres. These bifacial panels, capable of absorbing sunlight from both sides, maximize energy efficiency. Bechtel will employ its award-winning digital delivery approach, leveraging autonomous technologies to enhance project delivery, to design, construct, and commission the facility.
Construction is scheduled to commence later this year and is expected to create over 350 construction jobs at peak, providing a significant boost to the local economy and workforce development in the region.
“We are honored to support Michigan’s renewable energy goals with this transformative project, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future while creating high-quality clean energy jobs,” stated Scott Austin, Bechtel’s General Manager of Renewables & Clean Power. “We are thrilled to partner with Bechtel on Sunfish Solar 2. Bechtel brings over 80 years of experience in delivering renewable energy projects and shares our commitment to a cleaner, greener future and long-term benefits for electricity consumers,” said Fazli Qadir, Hecate Energy’s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction.
This project represents a significant step forward in the transition to a cleaner energy future in Michigan and highlights the growing role of solar energy in meeting the world’s energy needs. With its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Bechtel is playing a key role in shaping the future of renewable energy development.
