150MW solar project open for business in Santa Teresa

A new, 150-megawatt solar voltaic project started operations Monday in southern New Mexico, the latest in a series of solar energy landmarks in New Mexico.
The Milagro Solar+Storage project held its ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday. The project is run by EDF power solutions and El Paso Electric.
El Paso Electric provides electricity for approximately 465,000 customers ranging from Hatch, New Mexico to Van Horn, Texas, including Las Cruces and El Paso.
Not only does the facility have the capacity for 150 megawatts of power, enough to power approximately 60,000 homes in New Mexico, it has a 75 MWac/4-hour battery energy storage system (BESS).
“We are thrilled to partner with El Paso Electric in their mission to provide responsible, sustainable, and reliable energy to their customers,” said Kate O’Hair, Senior Vice President of US Development for EDF power solutions. “Launching our first solar and storage project in New Mexico is an exciting milestone, and we look forward to supporting EPE as this project delivers long-term price stability, stimulates economic growth, and reduces emissions.”
“The start of commercial operations at the Milagro Solar+Storage project marks a significant step for our region,” shared Dave Hawkins, Vice President of System Planning and Operations Support for El Paso Electric. “It reflects our shared commitment to a cleaner, more resilient energy future – strengthening grid reliability and ensuring dependable service for our customers, even as energy demands evolve. We extend our sincere thanks to EDF power solutions for their leadership and partnership in bringing this transformative project to life.”
Both of New Mexico’s U.S. Senators praised the opening. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., called it “powerful example of what New Mexico is capable of when we commit to harnessing our clean energy potential.”
Sen. Ben Ray Luján said, “By pairing solar generation with advanced storage, you’re helping southern New Mexico communities gain more reliable access to power, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and supporting our state’s climate goals.”
The project is in the Santa Teresa area of Doña Ana County on private land and is designed to manage evening energy ramps through its storage system.
The construction phase of the project created 200 jobs, with 100 positions filled by residents of New Mexico.
The press release from EDF says the project is expected to generate about $18 million in tax revenue for Doña Ana County over its lifespan.