US utility El Paso Electric Company has selected 200MW of solar and 100MW of energy storage as part of a solicitation for resource additions needed for the 2022-2023 summer peak season.
The company said it also plans to pursue the purchase of between 50MW and 150MW of additional wind and solar generation to “provide for fuel diversity and energy cost savings”.
El Paso Electric added that the winning bids are subject to certain conditions.
They include the execution of contracts following negotiations with the winners, obtaining environmental and construction related permits, and gaining approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
El Paso Electric president and chief executive Mary Kipp said: “These technologies provide a mix of carbon-free renewable and clean burning natural gas generation that will enable us to meet the growing need for power in our region in a safe, clean, reliable, and cost-effective manner.
“This balanced combination of resources will work with our existing energy portfolio as we move to retire ageing, less efficient plants while continuing to meet our customers’ changing energy needs.”
The company will also add 226MW of new natural gas generation as part of the plans.
El Paso Electric issued a request for proposals in June 2017 to seek the additional capacity for the 2022-2023 summer peak season.