Stem Advances Grid-Optimized Clean Energy with Deployment at California’s Camino Solar Project
Stem, Inc. (NYSE: STEM), a global leader in AI-driven clean energy software and services, has announced the successful deployment of its advanced energy control system at the Camino Solar project, a 57-megawatt (MW) utility-scale renewable energy facility located in Kern County, California. The project was developed by Avangrid, a prominent U.S. energy company and part of the global Iberdrola Group. Stem’s technology and services have played a pivotal role in enabling the project’s integration into California’s electric grid, delivering efficient, reliable clean power to approximately 14,000 households.
Grid Integration Powered by AI and Engineering Excellence
At the core of Stem’s contribution is the deployment of its PowerTrack™ Power Plant Controller (PPC) and a sophisticated data acquisition system. The scope of Stem’s engagement was broad, encompassing end-to-end project management, system design, equipment procurement, system configuration, functional testing, and commissioning. This turnkey approach ensured seamless alignment with California Independent System Operator (CAISO) grid requirements and standards.
What sets this deployment apart is the fact that Stem’s PPC meets the IEEE 2800 standard, a rigorous and newly enforced benchmark that sets minimum technical performance and capability requirements for inverter-based resources (IBRs) like solar and wind power plants. The IEEE 2800 standard, ratified in 2022 by the IEEE Standards Association, has introduced uniformity and technical discipline into the interconnection process, ensuring IBRs can respond to grid disturbances, contribute to frequency and voltage support, and perform reliably under abnormal conditions.
By meeting IEEE 2800 standards, Stem engineered the Camino Solar facility—originally designed at 57 MW—to perform with the stability and robustness of a 300 MW plant. This accomplishment reflects Stem’s advanced engineering capabilities and foresight in helping developers comply with evolving regulatory and grid operator demands.
Data-Driven Performance and Compliance
A highlight of the project is Stem’s real-time data acquisition system, which is capable of monitoring nearly 8,000 distinct data points. This level of telemetry is not just impressive from a technical standpoint; it is also critical to CAISO compliance, enabling real-time monitoring, reporting, and participation in California’s wholesale energy markets.
With this level of system intelligence, the Camino Solar project becomes more than a source of renewable power—it evolves into a dynamic grid asset capable of responding to market signals and system needs. This intelligence is central to the energy transition, as grid operators increasingly rely on distributed energy resources (DERs) for grid support services traditionally delivered by fossil fuel-based power plants.
Industry Perspectives on Innovation and Partnership
Matt Tappin, President of Software Products at Stem, emphasized the importance of aligning intelligent energy solutions with the demands of the modern grid.
“The Camino Solar project exemplifies how Stem’s platform transforms renewable energy assets into dynamic grid resources,” Tappin said. “This project, in particular, showcases the transformative potential of combining renewable generation with intelligent energy solutions. The IEEE 2800 standard represents a critical evolution in how inverter-based resources interconnect with the transmission system. Our engineering capabilities ensure our clients meet these demanding technical requirements while maximizing operational performance.”
Tappin also acknowledged the value of collaboration, pointing to Avangrid’s commitment to forward-thinking energy development.
“We welcome the opportunity to continue collaborating with developers like Avangrid who recognize that today’s energy projects must be designed to capture value across multiple dimensions—economic, environmental, and grid reliability.”
Strategic Collaboration Between Stem and Avangrid
The Camino Solar project represents the third joint initiative between Stem and Avangrid, reflecting a growing partnership focused on advancing clean energy infrastructure. Their combined expertise delivers not just environmental value, but also measurable economic and social benefits.
According to Avangrid, the project is expected to generate approximately $15 million in state and local tax revenue over its lifetime. In addition, the construction phase supported around 100 local jobs, many of which were filled through union labor—demonstrating a commitment to regional economic development and workforce engagement.
Jose Antonio Miranda, CEO of Avangrid, underscored the value of strong partnerships in driving successful project execution.
“Building strong partnerships is critical to Avangrid’s successful execution of projects, and working with Stem has been important throughout the development and construction of Camino Solar,” said Miranda. “The successful completion of this project marks another important milestone in Avangrid’s commitment to delivering energy solutions that meet America’s growing electricity needs.”
This project adds to Avangrid’s growing clean energy portfolio and aligns with Iberdrola Group’s global sustainability goals, which focus on enabling a low-carbon economy while fostering technological innovation and community value.
IEEE 2800: A New Era for Grid-Connected Renewable Energy
The IEEE 2800 standard is reshaping the way inverter-based energy resources are designed and integrated into transmission networks. As these resources—such as solar PV, wind, and battery storage—become more prevalent, ensuring their ability to contribute to grid reliability becomes essential.
Key requirements under IEEE 2800 include:
- Voltage and frequency ride-through capabilities
- Dynamic reactive power support
- Inertial response simulation
- Ramp rate controls
- Event logging and telemetry
For developers and independent power producers (IPPs), compliance with this standard is fast becoming non-negotiable—particularly in jurisdictions like California where CAISO enforces the standard as part of the interconnection process.
Stem’s early adoption of IEEE 2800 standards in its PowerTrack™ PPC positions the company as a technical leader in the clean energy software and services space. Their ability to embed grid-compliant intelligence into renewable energy facilities supports both system-wide resilience and developer success.
A Growing Portfolio of Intelligent Energy Solutions
The successful deployment at Camino Solar reinforces Stem’s growing portfolio of grid-interactive energy systems. With increasing demand for distributed and utility-scale renewables, Stem’s software and services are playing a key role in transforming how energy assets interact with the electric grid.
The company’s PowerTrack™ platform, bolstered by AI and machine learning, is designed to not only monitor and manage energy production and storage but also to optimize market participation, reduce curtailment, and ensure compliance with utility and regulatory requirements.
This project highlights Stem’s continued evolution from a battery storage company to a comprehensive clean energy platform provider, enabling the next generation of resilient, flexible, and intelligent energy infrastructure.
