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El Paso Electric signed a power purchase agreement with NRG Energy, a leading energy provider, and eSolar, producer of scalable PV modules, to develop a 92MW concentrating solar power plant. The solar module site is approximately 450 acres in size and is located in southwest New Mexico, about 10 miles from El Paso, Texas. This commercial-scale power plant for New Mexico is expected to be operational by mid 2011.

This project is the right move at the right time for all involved: it will add to NRG energy and eSolar’s goal to develop 500MW of solar power across the south-western United States while New Mexico will meet its growing energy demands and its renewable portfolio standard.

New Mexico’s governor Bill Richardson approved of the partnership: “With 300 days of sun every year, a highly skilled labour force and a friendly business environment, New Mexico is well-positioned to lead the [United States] in solar energy production. eSolar, NRG and El Paso Electric are helping us make New Mexico’s renewable energy potential a reality.”

“This plant will turn New Mexico sunshine into zero-carbon power that is at peak capacity when demand is the highest,” agreed David Crane, NRG’s president and CEO. “eSolar and El Paso Electric are tremendous partners to maximize the potential of this valuable renewable resource and help efficiently meet New Mexico’s aggressive renewable portfolio standards.”