Information about the Escalante Solar Plant in New Mexico: Its details, operations, and potential impact.
The Escalante Solar project, developed by Origis Energy, has commenced commercial operation on June 1, 2024. Situated on the site of the former coal-fired Escalante Station near Grants, New Mexico, this 200-MW solar park will help meet the 2030 renewable energy requirements of New Mexico's Energy Transition Act five years early.
The solar array sells its electricity under a power purchase agreement to Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, providing clean solar output to Tri-State members, including 11 electric cooperative members in New Mexico. The project is located in the service region of Tri-State member Continental Divide Electric Cooperative.
Despite having no energy storage facility included, the Escalante Solar project will contribute significantly to the renewable energy mix. It will provide a steady cost of power to its members, offering a sustainable energy solution.
The project has also secured an Industrial Revenue Bond with McKinley County, N.M., ensuring a new tax base from power generation for the county and the school district. Throughout its life, the project is expected to pay roughly $7,100,000 in taxes to McKinley County and $2,400,000 in taxes to the School District.
Meanwhile, another significant renewable energy project, the Shallow Basket Energy project, reached commercial operation in August 2025. This solar plus storage facility, located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, consists of 140 MW of solar capacity combined with 50 MW of battery storage. The battery storage component uses Tesla’s grid-forming technology and Megapack 2XL battery units, enabling the system to store excess energy and provide power during peak demand periods, enhancing grid stability.
The Shallow Basket Energy project, built on land owned by the Jicarilla Apache Nation, benefits the Nation via a wholesale power supply agreement with Guzman Energy. The project is expected to power approximately 38,000 homes annually and represents a significant step toward energy sovereignty and economic self-determination for the Jicarilla Apache Nation.
These developments underscore New Mexico's commitment to renewable energy and its efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. The Escalante Solar project, as part of Tri-State's Responsible Energy Plan, announced in 2020, is a testament to this commitment. Tri-State aims to have 50% of the energy used by its members generated from renewable resources in 2025. With projects like the Escalante Solar and Shallow Basket Energy, New Mexico is well on its way to achieving this goal.
Sources: [1] NRS (National Renewable Solutions) [2] Jicarilla Apache Nation [3] Guzman Energy [4] Kit Carson Electric Cooperative [5] Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
- The Escalante Solar project, a testament to New Mexico's commitment to renewable energy, marks a strategic move in the state's industry, providing a sustainable energy solution from science and finance, while contributing to the environmental-science sector through reduced carbon emissions.
- In addition to the Escalante Solar project, the Shallow Basket Energy project, equipped with battery storage using Tesla’s grid-forming technology, serves to enhance both the renewable-energy sector and the science industry, furthering grid stability and promoting energy sovereignty for the Jicarilla Apache Nation.
- With these projects contributing to the renewable energy mix and fiscal growth through tax revenue (approximately $9,500,000 annually combined for McKinley County and the School District), New Mexico demonstrates a clear dedication to green construction, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and bolstering the local economy in the process.
