National Grid Renewables, the US onshore renewables arm of British energy transmission and distribution company National Grid plc, has achieved a significant milestone with the commencement of commercial operations at its 150-megawatt (MW) Copperhead solar park in Texas, alongside an integrated battery storage system.
Located in Falls County within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market, the photovoltaic (PV) park sprawls across 1,600 acres of land, boasting First Solar's Series 6 thin-film PV modules. The project, which began construction in autumn 2022, also features a 100-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) supplied by Fluence Energy Inc.
The launch marks a strategic move for National Grid Renewables, solidifying its commitment to expanding renewable energy portfolios within Texas. Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables, emphasized the significance of the Copperhead project, stating, “We continue to grow our renewable energy portfolio within the state of Texas and persist in our dedication to contributing positively to the economic well-being of the communities in which we operate. Copperhead signifies this commitment, and we look forward to continuing to be good neighbors and partners with the Lonestar state and its residents.”
The project also holds economic implications for the region, with the developer estimating a direct economic impact of USD 25 million (EUR 22.9 million) over the first 25 years of its operational lifespan.
Jay T. Elliott, Falls County Judge, expressed gratitude for the support from National Grid Renewables, highlighting the benefits to the community through the Copperhead Charitable Fund. “Falls County is grateful for all the support from National Grid Renewables, which has provided an invaluable resource to our community through the Copperhead Charitable Fund,” said Elliott. “The county is now able to provide additional services and personnel that would not be possible without the Copperhead Solar & Storage project.”
