Avantus (formerly known as 8minute) and Toyota Tsusho America announced the start of construction on the 159 MW DC/125 MW AC Norton Solar Project in Rennes County, Texas. After Avantus sold the Norton project to TAI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, a subsidiary of Toyota Group, in November 2023, a Notice to Proceed (NTP) was issued. TAI has also reached a construction and term financing agreement with global financial group Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

The continued collaboration between Avantus and TAI highlights the value that Avantus and its portfolio can bring to leading multinational companies seeking to advance clean energy solutions and achieve sustainable development goals. The project also signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with a corporate client.

Avantus will be responsible for overseeing the construction of Norton, and it is expected that the project will begin operations by the end of 2025. RES will provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for the project.

Texas is the land of energy, which includes plenty of solar energy opportunities. The Norton Solar project represents the best thing we have done at Avantus - developing high-quality clean energy projects that benefit our customers, the local economy, and the planet, "said Patrick Gove, Avantus CFO. This project lasted for six years, and I am proud of our team's persistent efforts to prepare the Norton project and successfully sell it to Toyota Tsusho America to help achieve its sustainable development goals

Norton is expected to create 250 job opportunities during its peak construction period and bring direct economic benefits to Lennell County and local communities throughout its entire operational lifespan.