D.E. Shaw, El Paso Electric begin construction on Carne Solar, Storage project in New Mexico

D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI), in partnership with El Paso Electric (EPE), has commenced construction on the Carne Solar and Storage project, a 130 MWAC solar and 260 MWh storage facility located in Deming, New Mexico. This marks DESRI’s second solar project in Luna County, following the Alta Luna project that began operations in 2017.

The Carne project is set to provide clean, reliable energy to the Southwest, supporting EPE’s goals of achieving 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2045. Hy Martin, DESRI’s Chief Development Officer, emphasized that the project will offer both cost-effective power and transmission grid support, while also contributing to local economic development.

With a 20-year power purchase agreement in place, the Carne facility is expected to begin commercial operations in 2025, generating enough energy to power approximately 37,600 homes annually. The project also includes a significant battery storage component, which will enhance capacity and reliability for EPE’s New Mexico customers.

SOLV Energy, the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, will also handle ongoing operations and maintenance.

The project is anticipated to create over 300 construction jobs, providing local workers with skills training and career development opportunities, according to SOLV Energy CEO George Hershman. The Carne project is part of a broader partnership between SOLV Energy and DESRI, which has delivered nearly four gigawatts of renewable capacity across the U.S.