DESRI and El Paso Electric Begin Construction on Santa Teresa Solar Project in New Mexico

Inauguration of Santa Teresa Solar and Storage Facility



On July 14, 2025, DESRI, in collaboration with El Paso Electric (EPE), officially started the construction of the Santa Teresa Solar and Storage Facility located in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. This ambitious project has been granted financial notice to proceed (FNTP) and is set to revolutionize the energy landscape in the region.

Overview of the Project



The Santa Teresa facility will boast a capacity of 150 megawatts (MWac) in solar energy paired with a sophisticated 600 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). This integration positions Santa Teresa as a critical component in enhancing the stability of the region's power grid while contributing to the longstanding commitment to clean energy.

Hy Martin, the Chief Development Officer of DESRI, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "The Santa Teresa Project is a cornerstone of DESRI's developing relationship with El Paso Electric. It serves as a prime example of how cost-effective solar and storage technologies can shape New Mexico's energy future."

Community Impact and Economic Growth



Highlighting the project’s community-oriented approach, Dave Hawkins, EPE’s Vice President of System Planning and Operations Support, remarked, "This Project is about more than merely adding solar power; it’s about providing lasting value to the communities and businesses we serve. By delivering clean energy and enhancing capacity, we're bolstering reliability and investing in future economic growth."

The project is expected to generate sufficient clean energy to power approximately 60,000 homes annually, showcasing its potential to significantly boost the local economy while promoting sustainability.

Financing and Partners



Financing for the construction of the Santa Teresa project was carefully arranged by key players in the financial sector, including DNB Bank ASA, National Bank of Canada, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, and Korea Development Bank. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas will oversee administrative tasks throughout the development process.

Moreover, LG Energy Solution Vertech is set to supply U.S.-made battery systems integral to the energy storage strategy. Their CEO, Jaehong Park, expressed pride in contributing to a project aimed at supporting the community with cutting-edge clean energy technology during peak demand.

SOLV Energy will undertake the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) responsibilities for the project, ensuring seamless operations from start to finish.

DESRI and EPE: A Partnership for the Future



The Santa Teresa project marks DESRI’s second initiative within EPE's territory, following a successful construction of the Carne project, which features a 130 MWac solar capacity and a 260 MWh BESS. Such endeavors not only reaffirm the partnership between DESRI and EPE but also reflect a broader commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure across the United States.

As the energy sector faces dynamic challenges, the Santa Teresa facility stands as a beacon of hope, underscoring the significance of clean energy innovations. With construction now underway, the expectation is set on delivering reliable, renewable energy solutions while bolstering local economic growth and sustainability.

In conclusion, the commencement of this project is a pivotal event that brings together technology, partnership, and community in a shared mission towards a greener, energy-efficient future.

Topics Energy)

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