Construction has officially commenced in Deming, New Mexico, on a significant new renewable energy project spearheaded by D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI). The Carne Solar and Storage project represents a major step forward for clean energy in the state, combining a 130 MWac solar facility with a substantial 260 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
This project marks DESRI’s fourth utility-scale renewable facility in New Mexico and its second in Luna County, building on the success of the Alta Luna project which came online in 2017. The development is a collaborative effort with El Paso Electric (EPE), which will purchase the facility’s output under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). The integrated BESS will be the largest serving EPE customers, providing crucial capacity and enhancing grid reliability for its New Mexico service area.
James Schichtl, Vice President of Regulatory Operations and Resource Strategy at EPE, emphasized the project’s importance. “The Carne facility is dedicated 100% to serving our New Mexico customers and will be a critical resource in enabling EPE to meet the needs of customer demand and requirements of New Mexico’s Renewable Portfolio Standard goals,” he stated. The project is a key component of EPE’s strategy to achieve 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2045.
Once operational in 2025, the Carne project is projected to generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 37,600 homes annually, based on Environmental Protection Agency metrics. Hy Martin, chief development officer of DESRI, noted the broader benefits: “Carne will provide reliable, cost-effective clean power to EPE, as well as transmission grid support with the planned large battery storage facility. In addition, the Project will support the local community with economic development opportunities for years to come.”
The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract has been awarded to SOLV Energy, which will also handle the ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) services for the facility. The project is expected to create over 300 construction jobs, providing valuable workforce training and career opportunities in the region.
“SOLV Energy and DESRI have partnered on nearly four gigawatts of renewable capacity across the U.S.,” said SOLV Energy CEO George Hershman. “We’re pleased to continue working together to deliver the benefits of clean energy to New Mexico as the EPC and O&M provider on Carne.”
The initial development stages of the project were managed by Galehead Development and Lacuna Sustainable Investments. The renewable energy developer and its affiliates now own and operate a portfolio of 69 wind and solar projects totaling over eight gigawatts of capacity across the United States.
Sources for DESRI Starts Construction on 130-MW New Mexico Solar Farm
- DESRI Launches 130-MW Solar Project in New Mexico
- DESRI Starts NM Solar + Storage Project with US-Made BESS
- D. E. Shaw starts work at 130MW NM solar-plus-storage facility
- Construction Begins on Major New Mexico Solar+Storage Project
- D.E. Shaw Breaks Ground on New Mexico Solar & Storage Project
- DESRI and El Paso Electric Announce Start of Construction at Santa …
- D. E. Shaw starts work at 130MW solar-plus-storage project – PV Tech
- DESRI breaks ground on 130-MW New Mexico solar + storage project
I grew up in Deming on a farm, south of town and back then 50s, 60s I could not have imagined solar panels and now, once again, Deming and Luna County are trying something new and innovative. A surprising and delightful development for my hometown.