El Paso Electric opens its largest solar power plant

Otero County, New MexicoLocal residents, community members, and partners joined CEOs from El Paso Electric and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC to celebrate the commissioning of the Buena Vista Energy Center, El Paso Electric’s largest solar facility. (EPE) service area and the largest in New Mexico.

“This strong relationship with NextEra Energy Resources demonstrates El Paso Electric’s shared vision of powering the next 100 years of economic growth, innovation and dynamism,” said Kelly Tomblin, EPE President and CEO. In 2016, we proudly took the step of generating 100% carbon-neutral electricity. In 2021, we made a bold commitment to our customers to transform the energy landscape by 2023 and that continues today.”

The Buena Vista Energy Center encompasses 1,200 acres near the community of Chaparral, New Mexico, and will generate up to 120 megawatts of solar power, along with 50 megawatts of battery energy storage. The power hub, which is developed and will be operated by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, will generate enough electricity to power approximately 60,000 homes.

The site’s construction generated a significant economic boost for Otero County and the state, creating approximately 150 construction jobs and stimulating the purchase of regional goods and services from local suppliers. The energy center will provide many economic benefits to Otero County, including improvements to roads, schools, and local services.

“This solar power center will generate clean, low-cost energy and provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue for the county over the next 30 years,” said JD Rollin, director of development at NextEra Energy Resources, the largest renewable energy generator in the Middle East. the world. Solar and wind energy, and a global leader in battery storage. “We are excited to be working with El Paso Electric to bring New Mexico’s newest and largest solar facility online.”