Enel North America has commissioned GulfStar, the largest power plant in the United States developed by the company, located in Wharton County, Texas. The project integrates a 556 megawatt (MWdc) solar plant and a battery storage system. and a 355 MWdc battery storage system storage system of 355 MWdc, reaching a combined installed capacity of 911 MWdc.
A large-scale project for the U.S. network
The GulfStar solar plant, with an operating capacity of 450 MWac, represents a strategic step for Enel in its consolidation as one of the key players in the North American energy market. The storage system, deployed in two phases, entered commercial operation at the end of 2024 and is part of the growing portfolio of 14 BESS systems that the company manages in the United States.
Together, this infrastructure allows energy to be stored and distributed in real time, supporting the stability of the power grid in the face of increased demand and extreme weather events, such as heat waves or winter storms. According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, Enel is positioned as the third largest battery storage operator in the country.
Economic impact and local benefits
The implementation of GulfStar will generate more than $200 million in tax revenues and landowner income over its lifetime. In addition, more than 1,200 workers were involved in its construction, underscoring its contribution to regional economic development.
Enel, a key player in the energy transition
With more than 11 gigawatts (GW) of installed wind and solar capacity in the U.S. and Canada, more than 1 GW of storage and nearly 5 GW in demand response programs, Enel North America is positioned among the industry leaders. Its strategy is focused on offering clean, flexible and sustainable energy solutions on a large scale.flexible and sustainable energy solutions on a large scale, aligned with U.S. decarbonization goals.
The GulfStar solar plant is not only an engineering milestone, but an example of the role that solar energy combined with storage plays in the evolution of the nation’s energy system.
Source: Enel
