New Mexico approves 50 MW solar project in Jicarilla Apache Nation
The Public Regulation Commission of New Mexico has approved the development of the solar photovoltaic plant with a 20 MW of battery storage facility in the northern New Mexico lands of the Jicarilla Apache Nation.
The project will be owned by the tribal community in partnership with PNM, a subsidiary of PNM Resources. It is part of the PNM Direct Solar program and would require about US$60 million of investment.
The facility will be built on about 400 acres of tribal lands in Rio Arriba County. It is expected to be operational by March 2021.
The project is a partnership among Public Service Company of New Mexico and five local governments, including the cities of Albuquerque, Deming and Silver City, plus Santa Fe and Grant counties. Deming Public Schools, Western New Mexico University and Walmart are also participants.
