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Escalante Solar Reaches Commercial Operation
Slice of Energy Team
June 17, 2024
Key Highlights:
Escalante Solar begins generating carbon-free electricity on June 1, 2024.
Duane Highley, CEO of Tri-State: Project meets New Mexico's Energy Transition Act ahead of schedule.
Guy Vanderhaegen, Executive Chairman of Origis Energy: Project supports Tri-State's decarbonization goals.
200 MWac of clean solar energy, enough to power 63,000 homes.
Project created an estimated 400 jobs during construction.
Source (PR Newswire)
Notable Quotes:
"Escalante Solar helps all our members get to 50% clean energy used in 2025, while meeting the requirements of New Mexico's Energy Transition Act five years ahead of schedule."
"Every time a project is completed and begins commercial operation, that is cause to celebrate."
"This new solar project builds on that tradition — connecting more families across our state to clean, low-cost electricity."
Our Take:
The Escalante Solar project marks a significant milestone in the transition to renewable energy, particularly for New Mexico. By repurposing the site of a former coal-fired station, Origis Energy and Tri-State Generation have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable development and local economic growth. The project not only advances clean energy goals but also brings substantial employment opportunities to the region, reinforcing the importance of integrating community engagement in large-scale renewable energy projects.