Construction underway: 720 MWh BESS in New Mexico, 480 MWh in San Antonio

DESRI starts in New Mexico

US renewable energy developer DESRI has started construction on two co-located solar-plus-storage projects in San Juan County, New Mexico, alongside investment partner Tierra Adentro Growth Capital (TAGC). The projects will combine 180 MW / 720 MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and 270 MW of solar. 

The Foxtail Flats Solar and Storage project will pair 170 MW of solar with an 80 MW / 320 MWh BESS under a long-term power purchase agreement with the Los Alamos. Four Mile Mesa Solar and Storage project will comprise 100 MW of solar and a 100 MW / 400 MWh battery system acquired through PNM’s Rate 36B. This will support Meta’s data center operations according to DESRI. 

Both projects sit on land owned by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, adjacent to DESRI’s operating San Juan Solar and Storage facility, and the retired San Juan Generating Station. Commercial operations are slated for 2027.

Thomas de Swardt, president of DESRI, said: “These projects build on the success of our adjacent San Juan Solar and Storage facility and reflect DESRI’s commitment to the region’s clean energy transition. We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, PNM, and Meta, and look forward to delivering reliable, cost-effective renewable energy to New Mexico. Finally, DESRI is also thrilled to partner with TAGC in their equity investment in the projects and looks forward to growing a broader partnership with them.”

Alok Sindher, managing partner at TAGC, stated that the projects would require around 600 construction workers. “We’re excited that this equity investment will catalyze local economic growth and employment and is a significant step forward in New Mexico’s progress towards a cleaner grid.”

Construction financing for both projects was led by NORD/LB and Santander Corporate & Investment Bank, though details weren’t announced. SOLV Energy won the role of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the facilities.

OCI Energy and CPS Energy break ground in San Antonio, Texas

OCI Energy and CPS Energy also are underway with construction starting at the Alamo City Battery Energy Storage Project.

The Alamo City BESS is set to become a 120 MW / 480 MWh facility, with OCI Energy the developer and owner of the project, which will supply, via a long‑term storage capacity agreement, CPS Energy, who will have operational control of the facility to serve the San Antonio region .

“This project represents a significant step forward toward realizing a more resilient, reliable energy system that San Antonians can be truly proud of,” said Sabah Bayatli, President, OCI Energy. “This groundbreaking reflects years of thoughtful coordination, planning, and hard work – and once completed, it will help the electric system better manage peak demand events.”