Enlight’s Solar Project to Power PNM Under New Mexico’s Energy Plan: A New Mexico solar project
Enlight Renewable Energy, a leading Israeli renewable energy company, has finalized the acquisition and secured major financing for a 128-megawatt solar project in New Mexico. The project, now known as the Atrisco solar-plus-storage facility, is set to supply clean energy to the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) under a long-term power purchase agreement. Developed in partnership with Clฤnera, the project represents a total investment of approximately $275 million, bolstered by $150 million in secured tax equity financing.
The New Mexico project is a cornerstone of the state’s ambitious Energy Transition Act, which mandates PNM to source 100% of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2045, with an 80% renewable target by 2040. This legislation is similar in spirit to energy transition policies in Europe, such as Germany’s Energiewende, demonstrating a global push towards decarbonization. Understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing is key to appreciating the scale of such utility-level deployments.
This landmark project is expected to reach commercial operation in 2026, with construction beginning in 2025. It marks a significant expansion of Enlight’s renewable energy portfolio in the United States.
Significance of the Project: The New Mexico solar project
The Atrisco project is designed to be more than just a solar farm; its integration of a 400 MWh energy storage system is a critical feature. This battery system allows the facility to store solar energy generated during the day and dispatch it during periods of high demand or when the sun isn’t shining, dramatically increasing grid stability and the reliability of renewable power.
Ready to make big Profits?
The solar Industry is Booming
WE HELP NEWCOMERS to the solar industry start their own solar module production line. Customers can make BIG PROFITS by selling modules and finding investors, without wasting money and time on things they don't need!
By providing clean, dispatchable energy, the project will play a crucial role in helping New Mexico transition to a carbon-free electricity grid. This solar-plus-storage model is a powerful example of the solutions needed to manage the intermittency of renewablesโa challenge familiar to grid operators in Germany and beyond. For German homeowners, this large-scale application mirrors the benefits they can achieve with rooftop solar coupled with a home battery, enhancing energy independence and supporting the local grid. The complex solar panel manufacturing process that produces the high-efficiency panels for such projects is constantly evolving to meet these growing demands.
Enlightโs investment underscores its commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Future Plans and Developments for the New Mexico solar project
The Atrisco facility in New Mexico is a clear indicator of Enlightโs broader strategy: to not only expand its renewable energy footprint but to lead with integrated, technologically advanced projects. The inclusion of a large-scale battery system from the outset demonstrates that energy storage is no longer a future consideration but a core component of the company’s current U.S. strategy.
As construction begins in 2025, the focus will be on the intricate supply chain, from sourcing solar panel raw materials to deploying the sophisticated solar panel manufacturing machines required for production. The significant financial investment highlights the economic viability of these projects, and understanding the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown provides insight into the capital required to build out this essential infrastructure. Enlight will continue to pursue similar opportunities that support renewable energy mandates across the country.
Looking ahead, Enlight is well-positioned to play a leading role in the global shift towards renewable energy. With a strong portfolio of projects and a clear commitment to integrating storage, the company is set to make a significant impact on the renewable energy landscape for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about the technology that powers these transformative projects, consider exploring our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.
