The clean and plentiful sunshine of New Mexico is now producing electricity for some 9,000 homes as the Cimarron Solar Facility has begun commercial operation. At 30 megawatts, Cimarron is among the nation’s largest solar photovoltaic plants.
The facility is the first resulting from the partnership between Southern Company and Ted Turner and will supply power to the member electric cooperatives of Denver-based Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. Tempe, Ariz.-based First Solar, Inc., developed and constructed the facility and will provide operation and maintenance services under a long-term contract.
“This is a key milestone for Southern Company as we steadily incorporate more renewables into our energy portfolio,” said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Tom Fanning. “Renewables, along with new nuclear, increased energy efficiency, 21st century coal technology and additional natural gas, all will be crucial to meeting this nation’s growing energy demand.”
“The Cimarron Solar Facility is another example of our ability to harness and utilize the abundant natural resources that are available to us in the West,” said Ken Anderson, Tri-State’s executive vice president and general manager. “Working with our partners, we have made a significant technology investment in the rural communities we serve, while further diversifying Tri-State’s renewable resource mix.”
