NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – After shutting down its massive coal-fired power plant in the Four Corners area, PNM said one of the biggest solar panel and energy storage projects in the entire country is now online in New Mexico.
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“This project is one of the largest, tied for the largest solar energy projects in the state of New Mexico, and is the largest solar plus energy storage project in the state,” said Clēnera CEO Adam Pishl.
The Atrisco Solar and Energy Storage Project near Double Eagle Airport has been years in the making. Operated by a company called Clēnera, the site is now online providing clean energy to PNM customers.
The facility will not only generate clean energy but can also store power. Pishl said it’s one of the largest battery projects in North America. “On those days when it’s cloudy, we have the storage capacity to continue to deliver renewable energy and at night, we can still deliver renewable energy to the homes,” said Pishl.
The $850 million project sits on 2,300 acres with 650,000 panels, generating over 300 megawatts, enough to power 110,000 homes. PNM said they hope to be carbon-free by 2040. “As we stand today, PNM is more than halfway there at over 60% carbon-free with our energy resources,” said Carlos Lucero with PNM.
The project will also generate an estimated $1 million in tax revenue each year. PNM has a 20-year agreement to buy energy from the solar farm but the equipment is rated to last for years after that.
