Dallas, Texas – August 15, 2024 – Enel North America, a clean energy leader, will deploy over 6,000 sheep to control vegetation at eight Texas solar plants through the largest announced solar grazing agreement executed in the US. The company is partnering with Texas Solar Sheep Co., a family business that provides vegetation management at large solar plants, in a commitment to scale up sustainable practices in renewables.

Texas Solar Sheep will deploy over 6,000 sheep to graze on more than 10,100 acres of solar land, nearly 75% of the area of Manhattan. This is one the most significant single contracts for dual-use solar, according to the American Solar Grazing Association, who estimates that 100,000 acres of solar sites are being grazed in the U.S. per a recent survey. By embracing sheep grazing, Enel reinforces its commitment to "agrivoltaics," the practice of combining solar power generation with agricultural practices. This agreement also strengthens the company’s presence in the Texas market, where Enel is the leading operator of utility-scale battery storage.

“Enel’s record-breaking collaboration with Texas Solar Sheep is an exciting step forward for sustainable dual-use solar practices,” said Marcus Krembs, head of external relations and sustainability at Enel North America. "By prioritizing sheep grazing for land management, we demonstrate how solar and agriculture can coexist while ensuring optimal performance of our solar facilities. Additionally, our sheep grazing commitment supports ecosystem services and the local economy."

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the combined benefits preserving native habitats and grazing livestock at solar installations include improved soil health, enabling more efficient use of water, and reduced maintenance and operations costs. By improving operational efficiencies and supporting sustainable practices, this approach augments the sustainable value of Enel’s solar power production and fosters positive relationships with neighboring communities.

"We’re proud to partner with Enel North America on one of the biggest agrivoltaics programs in the US. We applaud Enel’s commitment to dual land use solar facilities and look forward to expanding Texas agriculture along with solar energy production in the state.", said JR Howard, owner at Texas Solar Sheep LLC.

Enel's existing solar grazing program has demonstrated substantial advancements in soil health, with some sites experiencing over 200% improvement in organic matter. Sheep also promote pollinator-friendly habitats by allowing some native plants to mature and bloom, unlike traditional mowing methods. Furthermore, solar grazing benefits local economies by providing a new revenue stream for sheep herders.

"The American Solar Grazing Association is excited to see Enel carry the momentum forward on dual-use solar with their strong commitment to solar sheep grazing. Solar grazing is at the forefront of a booming agrivoltaics industry, and we are seeing more and more leaders in the solar industry investing in long-lasting partnerships with farmers and creating new opportunities for American agriculture.", commented Kevin Richardson, Outreach Director at the American Solar Grazing Association.

With the U.S. solar industry expected to break construction records again this year, with 36.4 GW of utility-scale solar scheduled to be added to the grid by end of 2024 and Texas leading the nation in solar power operation, Enel anticipates this innovative collaboration will set a new standard for responsible land management and clean energy production within the solar industry.

About Enel North America
Enel North America, part of the Enel Group, is a clean energy leader in North America and is working to electrify the economy and build a net-zero carbon future by decarbonizing energy supply, electrifying transportation, creating resilient grids, and promoting a just, equitable transition. Enel North America serves over 4,500 businesses, utilities, and cities through renewable power generation, demand response, distributed energy resources, smart e-mobility solutions and services, energy trading, and more. Its installed portfolio includes over 10.3 GW of utility-scale renewable capacity, 1.3 GW of utility-scale energy storage and 106.9 MW of distributed energy storage capacity, 4.9 GW of demand response capacity, and 193,000 electric vehicle charging ports. Visit enelnorthamerica.com and on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube to learn more.