PNM to build 40 MW of solar plants in 2015

Jun 4, 2014 - US utility Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) intends to build 40 MW of solar parks in 2015 as part of its efforts to meet a 2016 state renewable energy mandate.

The company, part of energy holding PNM Resources (NYSE:PNM), has filed an application with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) for the project, it said in a statement on Monday.

The plan involves the construction of four photovoltaic (PV) facilities, each with a capacity of 10 MW. It will require an investment of USD 79 million (EUR 58m), PNM estimates. The utility has organised a competitive bidding process and selected a joint venture between local firm Affordable Solar Inc and GranSolar SA to construct two of the plants. Juwi Solar Inc, part of German green projects developer Juwi AG, will build the other two parks.

Together with the four plants, PNM’s installed solar capacity will grow to 107 MW, the firm noted. If its 2015 plan is cleared by the PRC, its wind solar and geothermal facilities will produce enough power for 150,000 average residential clients.

According to New Mexico’s requirements, state utilities will have to source 15% of their total power from renewables in 2016, as compared to 10% at present.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.734)

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!