Enel North America has begun operations at the 326-MW_DC Stampede solar + storage project in Hopkins County, Texas. Nestlé is the sole tax equity investor for the project and will also purchase the renewable energy attributes from the entire output of the solar plant.

“The Stampede project will add more power generation to the grid at a time when demand is rising from electrification and data centers. Furthermore, its flexible battery storage system will help step in to stabilize the grid when conditions tighten,” said Stephen Pike, head of Enel North America’s renewable energy business, Enel Green Power North America.

Stampede’s bifacial solar panels, which began producing power in June 2024, are paired with an 86-MW_DC battery energy storage system, which is undergoing final commissioning. Over its lifetime, the project is expected to provide over $70 million in combined tax revenue and payments to landowners.

“At Nestlé we are seizing opportunities across our business to help create a more sustainable future and achieve net zero emissions. This includes working hard to transform our operations and power our product manufacturing with more renewable electricity,” said Kate Short, Chief Procurement Officer, Nestlé North America. “Our investment in Stampede brings us within striking distance of meeting our ambition to source 100% renewable electricity at all our manufacturing sites by 2025.”

News item from Enel