Renewable energy company DESRI announced the start of construction on two solar-plus-storage projects in San Juan County, New Mexico. Foxtail Flats Solar and Storage comprise a 170-MW solar project paired with an 80-MW/320-MWh) battery energy storage facility contracted under a long-term power purchase agreement with the Incorporated County of Los Alamos. Four Mile Mesa Solar and Storage will be a 100-MW solar project paired with a 100-MW/400-MWh battery storage project procured through PNM’s Rate 36B to support Meta’s data center operations.
These projects are sited on land owned by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and adjacent to DESRI’s operating San Juan Solar and Storage facility as well as the retired San Juan Generating Station. The projects are expected to begin commercial operations in 2027.
“Breaking ground on Foxtail Flats and Four Mile Mesa marks another significant milestone for DESRI and for San Juan County,” said Thomas de Swardt, president of DESRI. “These projects build on the success of our adjacent San Juan Solar and Storage facility and reflect DESRI’s commitment to the region’s clean energy transition. We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, PNM and Meta, and look forward to delivering reliable, cost-effective renewable energy to New Mexico. Finally, DESRI is also thrilled to partner with TAGC in their equity investment in the Projects and looks forward to growing a broader partnership with them.”
SOLV Energy will serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the solar and storage facilities.
“The Foxtail Flats and Four Mile Mesa projects will be a milestone in New Mexico’s energy transition and economic development,” said Alok Sindher, managing partner at TAGC. “Together, these projects will employ approximately 600 construction personnel at their peak and add energy and capacity to the local grid. We’re excited that this equity investment will catalyze local economic growth and employment and is a significant step forward in New Mexico’s progress towards a cleaner grid. We look forward to continuing to partner with DESRI, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, PNM and other stakeholders to advance clean energy in New Mexico.”
News item from DESRI
