DESRI and TAGC Break Ground on 270MW Solar-Plus-Storage Projects in New Mexico

PV Tech USA

Overview

D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and Tierra Adentro Growth Capital (TAGC) have commenced construction on two significant solar-plus-storage projects in New Mexico. Named “Foxtail Flats Solar and Storage” and “Four Mile Mesa Solar and Storage,” these facilities collectively feature 270 MW of solar PV and 180 MW of battery storage. Both projects are slated for commercial operation in 2027, bolstering the state’s clean energy grid.

In Depth

Background: New Mexico’s Commitment to Renewable Energy and Grid Reliability

New Mexico is emerging as a critical hub for the clean energy transition, driven by its abundant solar resources and strong commitment to renewable energy. As the state accelerates its decarbonization efforts through increased solar PV deployment, ensuring grid stability becomes paramount. Large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential to mitigate the intermittency of solar power, providing stable electricity supply during evening peaks and periods of low generation.

DESRI and TAGC Commence Construction on Major Projects

D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI), a leading U.S. independent power producer, and Tierra Adentro Growth Capital (TAGC), an investment platform, have broken ground on two significant solar-plus-storage projects in New Mexico. These developments represent a major advancement toward the state’s clean energy objectives.

• Project Names and Scope:
  • “Foxtail Flats Solar and Storage”
  • “Four Mile Mesa Solar and Storage”

  Combined, these two projects will comprise 270 MW of solar photovoltaic generation capacity integrated with 180 MW of battery storage. The co-located battery storage will substantially enhance the ability to deliver power during periods when solar generation is low.

• Commercial Operation Timeline: Both projects are projected to achieve commercial operation in 2027, at which point they will provide clean, reliable electricity to the New Mexico grid.

Regional and Energy Market Impact

The commencement of these solar-plus-storage projects will significantly bolster New Mexico’s renewable energy infrastructure and contribute to the modernization of its power grid. The integrated battery storage is particularly vital for capturing and dispatching solar energy generated during the day to meet high demand in the evening and at night, thereby improving grid flexibility and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Investments by major players like DESRI and TAGC are also expected to stimulate economic growth in the state and create new employment opportunities within local communities. These projects are poised to be a driving force in the clean energy transition across the Southwestern United States, serving as a model for similar initiatives in other regions.