The project was developed by utility-scale developer Element Power Solar.
Located in Luna County, the project is projected to generate enough clean energy to power more than 18,000 households, while reducing 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per annum.
First Solar will supply advanced thin-film PV modules for the project, which is expected to be completed in 2014.
El Paso Electric will purchase the facility’s electricity under a power purchase agreement, subject to regulatory approvals to be secured by July 2013.
The project was initiated following a Request for Proposal (RFP) from El Paso Electric to diversify the electric resources in its current energy mix.
First Solar US business development vice president Dana Diller remarked that the project will expand New Mexico’s utility-scale solar generation capacity.
