Gerdau Solar at Midlothian Steel Mill
In Midlothian, Texas, Gerdau took a bold step toward industrial sustainability by building an 80 MWac solar photovoltaic plant to power its steel mill. The 700-acre facility is one of the largest behind-the-meter solar installations in the U.S., delivering energy directly to the mill. Dudek supported 174 Power Global by addressing community concerns and aligning the initiative with local economic goals and regulatory requirements.
Project Facts
- Gerdau and 174 Power Global
- Midlothian, Texas
- Largest behind-the-meter solar facility in Texas
- 700+ acres of solar panels generate 80 MW
- Supplies power directly to Gerdau Steel Mill
The Challenge
Prior to the Gerdau Solar initiative, the Midlothian City Council had turned down two separate proposals for utility-scale solar developments. These earlier projects were designed as standalone photovoltaic systems intended solely for energy export to the grid. Due to the lack of integration with local infrastructure, economic benefits, or community engagement, the previous proposed projects were perceived as offering minimal tangible value to the local community.
The Solution
To overcome this challenge, Dudek collaborated closely with 174 Power Global and Gerdau to develop a persuasive narrative that clearly articulated the project’s benefits to the local community. By demonstrating how the solar initiative would strengthen the steel mill’s competitiveness and help safeguard local jobs, The team aligned the project with Midlothian’s economic priorities. In addition to community outreach, Dudek also provided comprehensive environmental, biological, and cultural resource services to ensure the project met regulatory standards and respected local values.
The Impact
The Gerdau Solar project has emerged as a benchmark for industrial sustainability, delivering enough clean energy to reliably power the Midlothian steel mill. Its environmental benefits are matched by meaningful contributions to the local economy, including the creation of more than 200 construction jobs and an estimated $19 million in tax revenue over the next 30 years. By combining renewable energy generation with economic development, the project demonstrates how strategic infrastructure can serve both industry and community.
What We Did
- Avian Studies
- Biological Agency Coordination
- Critical Issues Analysis Review
- Cultural Resources Support
- FAA Notice Analysis
- Geotechnical Investigation and Pile Testing
- Glare Analysis
- Land Use Permitting
- Landscape Planning
- Phase I ESA
- Preliminary Hydrology Analysis
- Project Development
- Public Outreach Support
- ROW Crossing Permit Support (BSNF, ONCOR, and TxDOT)
- Topographical Mapping and ALTA Surveying
- Traffic Impact Analyses
- Visual Simulations
- Water Supply Support
- Wetland Delineation
Next Project
Bonanza Solar and Storage Facility
In order to advance California’s clean energy goals, EDF Renewables North America sought to build a solar plus storage facility on federal land in Nevada. Through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA), power generated by the project will provide clean energy to Southern California residents. Dudek supported EDF with technical studies to satisfy Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.
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