Xcel power plants in Texas, New Mexico could get solar power in 2026

May 04, 2023

A plan to add solar generating facilities to two Xcel Energy natural gas power plants in Texas and New Mexico is going forward, according to an Xcel news release on Monday.

The plan will add three large solar generating facilities to the Plant X Generating Station near Earth, Texas, and the Cunningham Generating Station near Hobbs, New Mexico. Both plants generate natural gas-fueled power, and began service around the 1950s. The goal is to supplement power and support the local workforce, while keeping customers' bills lower.

The solar plants near Hobbs would have a 268 megawatts capacity, and Plant X would have a 150 megawatt capacity. Together, that would provide enough solar energy to power 140,000 average Xcel customer homes.

Further details on the solar technologies and process for buildings will be released later this summer after proposals to regulators in New Mexico and Texas. Decisions should happen in 2024, with the facilities operating in 2026 and 2027.

"As clean energy technologies evolve, a diverse resource mix is of vital importance to ensure continued high reliability while maintaining the affordability of the power we provide," said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. "Our region's abundant sunshine provides some of the best solar power opportunities in the nation, and these new projects help us fulfill commitments to our employees and host communities while utilizing one of our greatest natural resources."

An added recommendation the company is considering could add battery storage projects for multiple facilities. These would store power in four-hour duration batteries, which could be used by other plants later. Proposals are being evaluated and could be shown to state regulators for approval, along with the solar facilities and power purchase agreement extension.