EDF Power North America and El Paso Electric Launch Milagro Solar+Storage Project in New Mexico
EDF Power Solutions North America, in partnership with El Paso Electric (EPE), proudly announced the commercial operation of the Milagro Solar+Storage project in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. The milestone was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by more than 100 guests, including local officials, industry stakeholders, and community leaders, highlighting the significance of this transformative energy project for the region.
The Milagro project combines a 150-megawatt (MWdc) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility with a 75 MWac, four-hour battery energy storage system (BESS), making it one of the most advanced solar-plus-storage developments in southern New Mexico. Under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the project will deliver electricity directly to EPE, helping the utility provide its customers with reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy.
Strategic Location and Technology
Strategically sited on private land near Santa Teresa, the Milagro Solar+Storage project leverages the region’s abundant sunlight to maximize energy production. The facility’s design integrates cutting-edge solar panels with a large-scale battery storage system, allowing energy generated during peak sunlight hours to be stored and dispatched later when electricity demand is highest. This capability ensures a consistent energy supply, even after the sun sets, helping to balance generation with consumption.
Battery energy storage is increasingly recognized as a critical component of modern energy infrastructure. By mitigating evening energy ramps, reducing curtailment of renewable energy, and supporting grid stability, BESS systems like the one at Milagro enhance the resilience and reliability of the power grid. This approach not only improves energy delivery but also allows utilities to optimize the use of renewable resources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to emissions reductions.
Political and Community Support
The Milagro project has drawn strong support from public officials and policymakers. United States Senator Martin Heinrich remarked, “Milagro is a powerful example of what New Mexico is capable of when we commit to harnessing our clean energy potential. That means more stable electricity prices, less reliance on volatile fuel markets, and cleaner air for thousands of New Mexicans.”
Senator Ben Ray Luján echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the state’s natural advantages for solar energy development. “For New Mexico, this project is especially meaningful,” he said. “Our state is blessed with abundant sunshine, making solar energy a natural fit for our economy and environment. By pairing solar generation with advanced storage, you’re helping southern New Mexico communities gain more reliable access to power, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and supporting our state’s climate goals.”
Partnerships Driving Sustainable Energy
EDF Power Solutions’ leadership in the U.S. renewable energy sector was highlighted during the ceremony. Kate O’Hair, Senior Vice President of U.S. Development for EDF Power Solutions, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with El Paso Electric in their mission to provide responsible, sustainable, and reliable energy to their customers. Launching our first solar and storage project in New Mexico is an exciting milestone. We look forward to supporting EPE as this project delivers long-term price stability, stimulates economic growth, and reduces emissions.”
From the utility perspective, Dave Hawkins, Vice President of System Planning and Operations Support for El Paso Electric, described Milagro as a critical step in advancing a cleaner, more resilient energy future. “It reflects our shared commitment to strengthening grid reliability and ensuring dependable service for our customers, even as energy demands evolve. We extend our sincere thanks to EDF Power Solutions for their leadership and partnership in bringing this transformative project to life,” Hawkins said.
Construction and Workforce Achievements
The construction of the Milagro project was managed by Blattner Energy, a leading contractor in large-scale renewable energy projects. Nick Bergren, Project Manager for Blattner, expressed pride in the project’s execution. “It is a proud moment for us to see the project delivering 150 MW of energy to the local community. This achievement involved 300,000 labor hours dedicated to installing 282,000 solar panels, all completed without a single recordable incident. This success is a testament to the strong culture and partnership established between EDF Power Solutions and Blattner. We look forward to continuing this collaboration on future projects.”
The Milagro project also made a notable impact on the local economy. Approximately 200 jobs were created during the peak construction phase, with half of these positions filled by residents of New Mexico. Over its operational lifespan, the project is projected to generate roughly $18 million in tax revenue for Doña Ana County and the region’s school districts, supported under the Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB).
Regional Energy Leadership
The Milagro Solar+Storage project builds on EPE’s commitment to advancing renewable energy in the region. Earlier in 2025, EDF Power Solutions and EPE announced the launch of the 10 MW Chihuahuan Desert solar facility in San Elizario, Texas, as part of the Texas Community Solar program. These projects demonstrate EPE’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio, increase the share of clean energy resources, and provide cost-effective electricity to its growing customer base.
By pairing large-scale solar generation with advanced battery storage, the Milagro project represents a model for the future of energy in the Southwest. It underscores the role of renewables in achieving energy independence, supporting climate goals, and providing communities with dependable and sustainable power.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Beyond its technological achievements, Milagro is expected to deliver significant environmental and societal benefits. The facility will generate sufficient energy to power approximately 60,000 average New Mexico homes, providing reliable electricity while displacing emissions from conventional fossil-fuel generation. This contribution aligns with broader state and national efforts to transition to clean energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, the economic impact extends beyond construction. Long-term operational activities, maintenance, and local supply chain partnerships will continue to support jobs and economic development in the region. The project exemplifies how renewable energy infrastructure can drive both environmental and economic progress, creating a sustainable energy future while strengthening local communities.
Bringing together the businesses of EDF Renewables and EDF Group International Division, EDF power solutions is an international energy player which develops, builds and operates low-carbon energy production facilities as well as flexible power and electricity transmission solutions.
In North America, EDF power solutions has been providing clean energy solutions throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico since 1987 as a market-leading independent power producer and service provider, serving utilities, corporations, industries, communities, institutions, and investors with reliable, low-carbon energy solutions to meet growing demand.
From developing and building scalable wind (onshore and offshore), solar, storage (battery and pumped storage hydropower), smart EV charging, microgrids, green hydrogen, and transmission projects, to maximizing performance and profitability through skilled operations, maintenance and innovative asset optimization, our teams deliver expert solutions along the entire value chain—from origination to commercial operation. Our portfolio consists of 23 gigawatts of developed projects and 16 gigawatts under service contracts.
