Construction Begins on Innovative Solar Projects in San Juan County, New Mexico

Major Solar Projects Break Ground in San Juan County

In an exciting development for renewable energy in the United States, DESRI (Distributed Energy Resources, Inc.) and Tierra Adentro Growth Capital (TAGC) recently announced the commencement of construction for their innovative solar and battery storage projects, the Foxtail Flats and Four Mile Mesa, located in San Juan County, New Mexico. This represents a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future.

Project Overview

The Foxtail Flats project will combine a substantial 170 megawatt (MW) solar array with an 80 MW/320 megawatt hour (MWh) battery storage system. This facility has been contracted under a long-term power purchase agreement with the Incorporated County of Los Alamos. Meanwhile, the Four Mile Mesa project will feature a 100 MW solar plant paired with a larger battery storage solution of 100 MW/400 MWh, designed to support operations for Meta’s data centers.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for both projects occurred on May 14, 2026, marking the official start of construction for these pivotal initiatives, which are strategically sited on lands owned by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and adjacent to DESRI's existing San Juan Solar and Storage facility, along with the retired San Juan Generating Station.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Combined, Foxtail Flats and Four Mile Mesa will deliver 270 MW of solar power generation and 180 MW of battery energy storage capacity. The implications of these projects extend beyond renewable energy production; they are expected to stimulate local economic growth by creating approximately 600 construction jobs at peak times. Thomas de Swardt, the President of DESRI, emphasized this project as a significant milestone for both the company and the San Juan County community. He remarked on the strong partnerships fostered with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, and Meta for supporting this energy transition.

Alok Sindher, Managing Partner at TAGC, also noted the economic benefits, stating that the investments will contribute positively to the local economy while advancing New Mexico's efforts towards a cleaner energy grid. The expected operational date for these projects is set for 2027, at which point they will provide a major new source of carbon-free electricity to critical sites, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and Kirtland Air Force Base.

Innovations in Renewable Energy

The integration of solar energy with battery storage in Foxtail Flats is particularly noteworthy. This approach allows for the capture of solar energy throughout the day, which can then be stored and used during peak demand hours in the evening. As explained by Matt Heavner, Vice Chair of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Board of Public Utilities, this project promises to deliver reliable electricity when it is needed the most, highlighting the efficiency of renewable resources in addressing grid stress.

The financial aspects of the projects have been backed by Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (NORD/LB) and Santander Corporate Investment Bank, showcasing the confidence institutional investors have in the future of renewable energy. SOLV Energy has been chosen as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, bringing expertise to the project execution.

Looking Forward

As construction progresses, both DESRI and TAGC aim to uphold their commitment to innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. This collaboration signifies a broader trend towards renewable energy solutions, showcasing how strategic partnerships can facilitate economic growth while addressing climate change. With strong community support and an eye on future developments in renewable energy technology, these projects could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country.

For more detailed information on these ambitious projects and their anticipated impact, stakeholders are encouraged to follow updates via the companies' official communications.