Enbridge Solar Farm Near Corpus Christi, TX, Now Operational

On June 4, Enbridge sponsored a ribbon cutting ceremony in Jim Wells County, to mark a milestone event: the company’s Orange Grove Solar project is now delivering clean energy to the Texas grid. Orange Grove is Enbridge’s first solar facility in the Lone Star State that will provide up to 130 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the local grid.

(image courtesy Enbridge)

Telecom giant AT&T has signed a long-term virtual power purchase agreement for the output of the project. The agreement helps AT&T offset its energy expense and reduce its carbon footprint.

Electricity is generated from about 300,000 solar panels that sit on 920 acres. Local, state and federal officials gathered with nearby landowners and members of the Enbridge team for a ribbon cutting event signifying the facility is operational and that electrons are now flowing into the Texas grid. 

In addition to Orange Grove, Enbridge has a second, solar facility under construction southeast of Abilene, in Callahan County, Texas, that is more than six times the size of this facility. The 815-megawatt Sequoia Solar project is set to become one of North America’s largest solar installations.

These facilities are being built in order to meet the growing demand for power in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market.

Matthew Akman, Enbridge’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy and President of the company’s Power business

“We are pleased to be able to deliver additional zero emission electricity into the grid in support of local and Texas state-wide economic growth and energy demand. Enbridge is proud to operate a wide range of critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf Coast area including liquids pipelines and export facilities, natural gas pipelines and storage, as well as wind and now solar power.”

Maja Nisbet, Enbridge’s Manager of Power Projects

“Orange Grove Solar wouldn’t be possible without the support of the people who helped make it a reality. At Enbridge, while we’re proud to see the project reach this incredible milestone and begin delivering power to the Texas grid, this celebration event is really about the community behind it. From Orange Grove residents and nearby landowners to our dedicated project team—and the local, state, and federal officials who supported us every step of the way—this was a shared effort. Thank you for being such strong partners.”

Quick Facts

Orange Grove Solar

Type:   Solar facility

Status: Operational

Location: Jim Wells County, TX

Expected capacity: 130 MW

Enclosures

We have included several high-resolution images available for your use. Please include photo credit when publishing: Photo: Courtesy Enbridge.

If you have any questions, or are looking for interviews, please contact Michael Barnes at 713-870-1306 or[email protected].