FORT BEND, TX — Bechtel announces that its Cutlass Solar project, the new 140 MwDC solar energy facility in Fort Bend, Texas, has been recognized for its innovative use of digital tools to deliver engineering, procurement, construction, and project management.

Bechtel was awarded the Special Achievement in GIS recognition for its "minutes matter" initiative, which brings Bechtel’s integrated engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) philosophy to utility-scale solar farm projects. This approach optimizes the impacts of scale to improve safety and health, increase productivity, promote repeatability, and continuously improve. The award was given to Bechtel at Esri’s Annual User conference in San Diego.

“It is an honor to receive the Special Achievement in GIS Award for Bechtel’s one-of-a-kind approach to executing a project, from engineering to commission, to bringing these critically important projects online in record time,” said Kelley Brown, EPC Operations Manager for Bechtel. “Bechtel set out to develop an innovative, 100% digital execution methodology that not only allows for a faster and safer approach to project management and delivery, but also helps meet the worldwide demand for reliable, clean electricity at affordable prices.”

Completed in January 2023, the Cutlass Solar facility is producing enough electricity to power approximately 20,000 homes.

Bechtel leveraged digital tools to help manage the project and integrate automation, using the Esri ArcGIS platform as the primary resource for construction. This centralized system captured all project data tied to geographic positions on the earth’s surface, allowing for analysis and management across the many acres of the solar project, providing for streamlined communications between all team members.

“Users across all industries continue to show the groundbreaking possibilities of what GIS can help them accomplish," said Jack Dangermond, Esri Founder and President. "I am honored to recognize all the organizations."