Origis Energy and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association have announced that the Escalante Solar project has commenced commercial operations. Built on the site of the decommissioned 253-MWac coal-fired Escalante Station near Grants, New Mexico, the solar facility began generating carbon-free electricity.
The new solar project, producing 200 MWac of clean energy, is expected to power approximately 63,000 homes. This development plays a crucial role in helping Tri-State achieve its goal of 50% clean energy usage by 2025, fulfilling New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act requirements five years ahead of schedule.
“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,” stated Duane Highley, CEO of Tri-State. “We thank Origis Energy for their work to successfully develop Escalante Solar, and we deeply appreciate their engagement with the local community.”
Guy Vanderhaegen, Executive Chairman of Origis Energy, emphasized the significance of the project’s completion: “Every time a project is completed and begins commercial operation, that is cause to celebrate. We are especially delighted to bring affordable, reliable, renewable electricity to the members of Tri-State, which helps meet Tri-State’s decarbonization goals.”
The project, announced in 2020 as part of Tri-State’s Responsible Energy Plan, is situated in the service territory of Tri-State member Continental Divide Electric Cooperative. It stands as the largest solar project within Tri-State’s generation portfolio.
Continental Divide Electric Cooperative CEO and General Manager Robert E. Castillo highlighted the local benefits: “The addition of a new tax base for McKinley County and our local school district is certainly beneficial, and we appreciate Tri-State and the project partners for bringing Escalante Solar to our region.” The project is expected to contribute approximately $7.1 million in taxes to the county and $2.4 million to the local school district over its operational life.
Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, lauded the project for continuing the state’s legacy of energy production: “New Mexico communities have a long, proud history of powering our state and the rest of our country. This new solar project builds on that tradition — connecting more families across our state to clean, low-cost electricity.”
Gridworks, an Albuquerque-based company, provided construction services for the project, employing about 400 people during the construction phase. Origis Energy Services will oversee long-term operations and maintenance, creating approximately 4-6 permanent on-site jobs.
The project incorporated around 500,000 solar panels supplied by Boviet Solar and utilized solar tracking systems from Array Technologies, also based in Albuquerque. Origis acquired the project’s development rights from TurningPoint Energy in 2021.
State Rep. Patty Lundstrom, D-McKinley County, expressed her support: “We are very pleased to see Origis Energy and Tri-State invest in McKinley County. They are great organizations that have the community spirit to help us grow.”
Kevin Bassalleck, President of Gridworks, acknowledged the project’s positive impact: “We are excited for the benefits Escalante will provide to Tri-State and its members and are grateful for the economic impact it has created for a variety of New Mexico-based companies.”
Kevin Hostetler, CEO of Array Technologies, added: “We’re grateful for our partnership with Origis Energy and Gridworks that allows us to showcase the reliability of Array’s tracking solutions, while also supporting clean energy jobs and contributing to a cleaner future for communities served by Tri-State.”
