DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) has secured approval for its offtake contracts for a 130MW solar and battery project in New Mexico.
The Carne solar development, which also includes a 65MW battery, has received New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission (NMPRC) regulatory approval for its offtake contracts with El Paso Electric (EPE).
The project has a 20-year power purchase agreement and energy storage agreement with EPE and is expected to start commercial operations in 2025.
The NMPRC’s approval is a critical step in the site’s development and its advancement towards start of construction.
“DESRI is thrilled with the Carne project’s NMPRC approval, along with its continued progress towards construction start and producing power for New Mexicans,” said DESRI chief development officer Hy Martin.
“The Carne project will deliver new, cost-effective clean energy to EPE’s customers, as well as energy storage that will provide crucial grid stability to the region. We appreciate the ongoing support from the project’s stakeholders, including Luna County and the local community,” added Martin.
Carne is DESRI’s fourth project in New Mexico, and its second development in Luna County.
The facility will deliver new energy and battery storage capacity to EPE’s customers and contributes to EPE’s strategic mission to reach 100% decarbonisation of its generation portfolio by 2045.
DESRI is also constructing the Arroyo and San Juan Solar projects in McKinley and San Juan counties, respectively.
Galehead Development and Lacuna Sustainable Investments were involved in the initial development of the Carne plant.