The Escalante Solar Project achieves commercial operation, marking an important milestone in New Mexico’s clean energy transition

Origis Energy and the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced that the Escalante Solar project has entered commercial operation. Built on the site of the decommissioned 253-MWac coal-fired Escalante Station near Grants, New Mexico, the photovoltaic installation began producing emission-free electricity.

The new solar project, generating 200 MW of alternating current, is expected to power approximately 63,000 homes. This development plays a key role in helping Tri-State achieve its goal of 50% clean energy by 2025, meeting New Mexico Energy Transition Act requirements five years ahead of schedule.

“Escalante Solar is helping all of our members achieve 50% clean energy in 2025 while meeting New Mexico Energy Transition Act requirements five years ahead of schedule,” said Duane Highley, Tri-State CEO. “We thank Origis Energy for their work towards the successful development of Escalante Solar and deeply appreciate their commitment to the local community.”

Guy Vanderhaegen, Executive Chairman of Origis Energy, emphasized the importance of project completion: “Every time a project is completed and begins commercial operation, it is a cause for celebration. We are especially thrilled to provide Tri-State members with affordable, reliable and renewable electricity, which helps achieve Tri-State’s decarbonization goals.”

The project, announced in 2020 as part of the Tri-State Responsible Energy Plan, is located in the service area of ​​Tri-State’s Continental Divide Electric Cooperative. It is the largest solar project in Tri-State’s generation portfolio.

Continental Divide Electric Cooperative CEO and CEO Robert E. Castillo emphasized the local benefits: “Adding a new tax base for McKinley County and our local school district is certainly beneficial, and we appreciate Tri-State and the project partners for bringing Escalante Solar to our region ” Over its lifetime, the project is expected to generate approximately $7.1 million in taxes for the county and $2.4 million for the local school district.

Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico praised the project, which continues the state’s legacy of energy production: “New Mexico communities have a long and proud history of powering our state and the rest of the country. This new solar project builds on that tradition and enables more families across the state to have access to clean, low-cost electricity.”

Construction services for the project were provided by Gridworks, an Albuquerque-based company that employed approximately 400 people during the construction phase. Origis Energy Services will oversee long-term operations and maintenance, creating approximately 4-6 permanent jobs on site.

The project included approximately 500,000 solar panels provided by Boviet Solar and used solar tracking systems from Array Technologies, also based in Albuquerque. Origis acquired the rights to develop the project from TurningPoint Energy in 2021.

State Rep. Patty Lundstrom, D-McKinley County, expressed her support: “We are very pleased that Origis Energy and Tri-State are investing in McKinley County. These are great organizations whose community spirit helps us thrive.”

Kevin Bassalleck, president of Gridworks, acknowledged the positive impact of the project: “We are excited about the benefits Escalante will provide to Tri-State and its members and are grateful for the economic impact it has had on various New Mexico-based companies. “

Kevin Hostetler, CEO of Array Technologies, added: “We are grateful for our partnership with Origis Energy and Gridworks, which allows us to showcase the reliability of Array’s tracking solutions while supporting clean energy jobs and contributing to a cleaner future for the communities where serves through the Tri-State area.”

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