Despite the surge in wind and solar farms across Texas in recent years, El Paso Electric (EPE) has struggled to keep pace with the state's growing renewable energy landscape. In contrast to the rest of Texas, where wind and solar farms generated 35% of electricity in the first half of this year, EPE's reliance on renewable sources accounted for less than 3% of its electricity supply last year. However, the utility is now actively working to bridge the gap by embracing solar energy and gradually phasing out aging natural gas power plants.
EPE unveiled its largest solar facility, the Buena Vista solar farm, in Chaparral, New Mexico, last month. The 120-megawatt facility marks a significant step towards the utility's plan to add four other substantial solar farms, totaling 580 megawatts, by 2025. Moreover, the utility aims to incorporate battery storage in some solar farms, allowing them to harness energy during peak hours and release it onto the grid when needed, ensuring a more consistent power supply. Jessica Christianson, EPE's vice president of sustainability and energy solutions, reassured that the utility has a methodical plan to catch up, taking into account the importance of clean energy and the environmental impact of operations, while remaining affordable and reliable.
El Paso Electric's current portfolio relies heavily on the Palo Verde nuclear power plant and local natural gas-fired power plants, which generated 84% of the region's electricity in 2022. By venturing into solar energy, the utility aims to diversify its sources and work towards a low-carbon future. While transitioning to cleaner energy sources may come with challenges, government incentives and low-cost loans are making renewable energy investments more feasible. EPE is determined to execute its plan, pledging impressive strides in renewable energy adoption in the coming years.
Source: El Paso Matters