Santa Teresa, October 6, 2025
The 150MW solar project in Santa Teresa, developed by Apex Renewables, has officially started operations, significantly boosting clean energy in New Mexico. This $200 million initiative will power thousands of homes and reduce annual carbon emissions by 200,000 tons. The project has also contributed to local job creation and economic growth in the Santa Teresa community, aligning with New Mexico’s green energy goals for the future.
Santa Teresa
A groundbreaking 150MW solar project in Santa Teresa, just south of Albuquerque, has officially started operations, injecting a major boost of clean energy into New Mexico’s power grid. This $200 million initiative, developed by Apex Renewables, is now generating electricity to power thousands of homes across the state with renewable sources, marking a significant step forward in the region’s shift toward sustainable energy.
The project, which broke ground over a year ago, represents one of the largest solar installations in southern New Mexico. Its activation comes at a critical time as demand for clean power grows amid rising energy needs and environmental concerns. By harnessing the abundant sunlight in the area, the facility will produce enough energy to offset the annual consumption of more than 30,000 households, helping to stabilize the local grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
During the peak of construction, the solar farm created around 300 jobs for skilled workers, including electricians, engineers, and support staff. These positions provided economic benefits to the Santa Teresa community, which sits near the U.S.-Mexico border and serves as a hub for cross-border trade. Now that the project is operational, a smaller team will maintain the site, ensuring long-term employment for technicians focused on solar panel upkeep and performance monitoring.
One of the standout environmental impacts of this solar array is its projected reduction of 200,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. This figure is equivalent to removing tens of thousands of cars from the road each year, contributing directly to cleaner air and combating climate change. The emissions savings align with broader efforts to lower greenhouse gases in a state where energy production has historically leaned on coal and natural gas.
Alignment with New Mexico’s Energy Goals
The launch of the 150MW project dovetails perfectly with New Mexico’s ambitious green energy objectives. State policies aim for 50% of electricity to come from renewables by 2030 and 80% by 2040, with full carbon-free power by 2050. This solar facility advances those targets by expanding the portfolio of utility-scale renewable projects. It connects to the regional grid, allowing energy to flow to urban centers like Albuquerque and Las Cruces, as well as rural areas, promoting equitable access to clean power.
Development of such projects involves careful planning, including land acquisition, environmental assessments, and coordination with utilities. In Santa Teresa, the site’s flat desert terrain and high solar irradiance—averaging over 6.5 kilowatt-hours per square meter daily—made it an ideal location. Panels mounted on single-axis trackers follow the sun’s path, maximizing output throughout the day and ensuring efficient energy capture even during peak summer heat.
Economic and Community Impacts
Beyond jobs and emissions cuts, the solar project stimulates the local economy through supply chain investments. Materials like panels, inverters, and mounting systems were sourced partly from regional suppliers, fostering growth in New Mexico’s burgeoning clean energy sector. Property taxes from the facility will also provide ongoing revenue for local schools, roads, and public services in Dona Ana County.
Santa Teresa’s strategic position enhances the project’s potential. As a key port of entry for international commerce, the area already hosts warehouses, manufacturing, and logistics firms. Adding a major solar installation positions the community as a leader in green infrastructure, potentially attracting more eco-conscious businesses. This could lead to further investments in energy storage and transmission upgrades, building a more resilient power network.
Broader Context of Solar Growth in New Mexico
New Mexico has seen a surge in solar development in recent years, driven by federal incentives and state subsidies. The 150MW Santa Teresa project joins a lineup of similar ventures, including farms in Luna and Eddy counties, which together have added hundreds of megawatts to the grid. These efforts are part of a national trend, with the U.S. installing record amounts of solar capacity in 2024 alone.
Challenges remain, such as integrating intermittent solar power with baseload sources and addressing land-use concerns in arid regions. However, advancements in battery storage and grid management are helping to mitigate these issues. For residents, the benefits are tangible: lower long-term energy costs, improved air quality, and a stronger economy powered by the sun.
As operations ramp up, monitoring will ensure the project meets its output projections of approximately 300 gigawatt-hours per year. This milestone in Santa Teresa underscores New Mexico’s commitment to a sustainable future, blending economic opportunity with environmental stewardship.
FAQ
What is the capacity of the new solar project in Santa Teresa?
The solar project has a capacity of 150MW.
How much did the Santa Teresa solar project cost to develop?
The project cost $200 million to develop.
Who developed the 150MW solar project in Santa Teresa?
Apex Renewables developed the project.
How many jobs were created during the peak construction of the Santa Teresa solar project?
The project created 300 jobs during peak construction.
What is the annual carbon emissions reduction from the Santa Teresa solar project?
The project will reduce carbon emissions by 200,000 tons annually.
How does the Santa Teresa solar project align with state goals?
It aligns with state green energy goals.
How many homes will the Santa Teresa solar project power?
The project will power thousands of New Mexico homes with clean energy.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 150MW |
| Cost | $200 million |
| Developer | Apex Renewables |
| Jobs Created (Peak Construction) | 300 jobs |
| Annual Carbon Reduction | 200,000 tons |
| Alignment | State green energy goals |
| Power Supply | Thousands of New Mexico homes with clean energy |
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