DESRI begins construction of 130-MW solar + storage project in New Mexico

DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI), in partnership with El Paso Electric, announced the start of construction on the Carne Solar and Storage project. Carne is a 130 MW project_{air conditioning} 260 MWh solar plant and storage facility located in Deming, New Mexico. This is DESRI’s second solar plant in Luna County following the Alta Luna project, which began operations in 2017. The project will provide clean, reliable energy for the Southwest and bring EPE closer to its goal of 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2045.

“DESRI is pleased to continue our investment in New Mexico’s energy transition by opening our fourth utility-scale renewable energy facility in the state and building on our long-standing partnership with EPE,” said Hy Martin, DESRI Chief Development Officer. “Carne will provide reliable, cost-effective, clean energy to EPE, as well as grid support through a planned large battery storage facility. Additionally, the project will support the local community with economic development opportunities for years to come. We are grateful for the support of EPE, Luna County, SOLV Energy and other stakeholders in this project.”

Carne has a 20-year power purchase agreement with EPE and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2025. The project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power about 37,600 homes per year, according to data provided by the Environmental Protection Agency. Galehead Development and Lacuna Sustainable Investments were involved in the initial development of the project.

“EPE is excited to join DESRI to bring this newest addition to the renewable energy community to New Mexico and continue to build on our strong partnership. The Carne facility is 100% committed to serving our customers in New Mexico and will be a key asset that will enable EPE to meet customer needs and meet the requirements of the Renewable Portfolio Standard in New Mexico,” said James Schichtl, vice president of Regulatory Operations and Resource Strategy at EPE. “The battery storage component of the new facility will be the largest to serve EPE customers and will provide much-needed capacity and reliability to our customers in New Mexico. EPE looks forward to the successful completion of the Carne project and future renewable projects with DESRI in New Mexico.”

SOLV Energy will act as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, as well as provide ongoing operation and maintenance services for the Project once it is operational.

“In addition to supporting EPE’s clean energy goals, Carne will create more than 300 construction jobs and provide the local workforce with job skills training and career development opportunities,” said SOLV Energy CEO George Hershman. “SOLV Energy and DESRI have partnered on nearly four gigawatts of renewable capacity across the United States. We are pleased to continue working together to bring the benefits of clean energy to New Mexico as an EPC and O&M provider at Carne.”

News article by DE Shaw Renewable Investments